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By adding moisture to dry air, a humidifier can help soothe dry skin, ease congestion, and create a healthier atmosphere for better breathing and restful sleep.
To help you find the right humidifier for your room, we bought 14 enticing models for side-by-side testing. We found great models in every price range, whether you're looking to humidify a large living space or a small kid's room.
The best humidifier for most people is the Levoit Oasis Mist 450S Smart. It has both warm and cool mist options, is ideal for the kids' room, and one of the best plant-friendly apps we have operated.
For a budget pick, we love the Dreo HM311. If you are a seasonal humidifier user, this is an excellent choice for its simple interface and effective humidification.
Air quality is a top priority for many households. Tap into the technology of air quality meters to discover how you can best manage the health of your home.
Editor's Note: On August 19, 2025, we completely revamped this review with fresh testing and an all-new lineup.
The Levoit Oasis Mist 450S Smart is our choice for tackling dry air, whether it's cold-season congestion, allergy flare-ups, or stubborn dry skin. You can switch between a quiet, efficient ultrasonic cool-mist or opt for the heater-powered warm-mist, which pushed our room to 59% humidity in testing. The top-fill tank is convenient, and the fan hum is a gentle white noise “whoosh” that won't wake a sleeping baby. Levoit's VeSync app is surprisingly helpful: set a target humidity, build a bedtime schedule, or even tell it what type of plants you have, and it will handle the rest. We were impressed with this mighty machine during testing, with our lead tester noting, “Despite its slender profile, this Levoit proved to be very capable of making even the driest room pleasant. The app also lets me keep my plants happy, which I love”.
The quick output meant it empties its tank fast. If you run it full speed, you can expect to fill it daily. Cleaning is doable, but not as simple as some other options. There are a few nooks around the boiling plate that need a bit of extra work to clean. While the cool-mist option is easy on electricity, the warm-mist option isn't (boiling water isn't free), and you might notice a small bump on your power bill. All things considered, you can't go wrong with the Levoit Oasis MistS Smart given its excellent performance, sleek design, and intuitive interface.
Fill it and forget about it. The Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart has an extra-large tank and steady output, which means you can run it through the night (and then some) without it nagging you for a refill, lasting nearly 46 hours in our testing. In our room, it increased the humidity from 40% to 52% in only an hour, which is within the ideal range for most households. The top lifts off cleanly, built-in handles make refilling easy, and Levoit's app lets you set a target humidity for auto-on and off functionality. Like the Oasis Mist, the app allows you to specify the types of plants you have, and the humidifier will keep the room at an ideal level. Cleaning this machine is refreshingly painless. There are no 90-degree angles, and there is plenty of room to get your hand in there and wipe clean.
That big tank also means you'll have more surface area to wipe down, though we think this is a fair tradeoff to not needing to refill the machine as often. While the Levoit is generally pretty quiet, the faint high-pitched whine isn't as white-noise-like as other options. Otherwise, it is hard to find many faults with this powerful machine. “Simple, effective, and convenient. Initially, I overlooked the Classic because it didn't stand out in any particular way, but after crunching the numbers, it became clear why Levoit keeps this model around.”
The Dreo HM311 is about as simple as they come, but at a price that is hard to overlook. This machine is best for small-to-medium-sized rooms and occasional use where you don't need precise humidity levels. It brought our room from 40% to 48% in our one-hour testing window, which isn't the most powerful, but still within an ideal range. Where this humidifier shines is with how easy it is to use; simply turn it on and let it do the work. No settings to mess with, no app to download. It is also easy to clean with no corners or tricky ridges. Our lead tester notes, "With such a good price to performance ratio, you'd think that would be the highlight of the Dreo, but I would argue that the real highlight is how easy it is to keep clean. It's so well-designed that I was able to clean it in under two minutes! For someone who dreads cleaning like me, this was a huge achievement!"
Smart capabilities can be a pro or a con, depending on your preferences. If you are interested in a smart humidifier and like this model, you are in luck. The Dreo HM311S is the same model, but with app control and a screen that shows the set humidity level, and it is still reasonably priced. The HM311 has a light white noise, but with a constant drip that sounds like a fountain or rain. We weren't bothered by it, but it can be a bother if you want silence. Additionally, the tank isn't the easiest to fill as it has no handle. If you need a humidifier for year-round use, we recommend one of our other award-winning products, like the Oasis Mist or Blueair InvisibleMist. All things considered, this is a great budget option for seasonal use.
What makes the Blueair InvisibleMist H35i a great value isn't its initial upfront cost. Rather, it is because it costs very little to run, which is ideal if you need a humidifier going constantly. We estimated this machine to cost around $43 annually for average use, including electricity and replacement filters. This is about half the cost of the next best in terms of annual operation costs. Unlike ultrasonic humidifiers, the InvisibleMist H35i doesn't require demineralized water, which can significantly cut back on costs. This evaporative machine quickly brought up the humidity in our room, and kept it at a comfortable 51%. Because this is an evaporative machine, it is able to humidify the room without visible mist and the wick keeps impurities from entering the air you breathe. Maintaining it is simple, just pour water into the top, and set your desired humidity on the touchscreen or within the app. You can even refill it as it is running. Our testers noted, “I love that you don't need deionized water or demineralization tablets, which is so much easier to use. Just fill it with tap water and go.” We also appreciate this machine's decor-like design rather than looking like a clunky appliance.
It is important to keep replacing the filters as needed (every six months per the manufacturer). Not replacing them can introduce mold and bacteria into your air. This wasn't the easiest to clean. You must take the top off and remove the filter to get to the tank, which itself is straightforward to wipe down, but we didn't enjoy the few extra steps. The Blueair is also slightly louder than other options we tested because it has a constant fan running, but if you don't mind sleeping to the subtle white noise, it shouldn't be a dealbreaker.
The Levoit LV600S Smart Hybrid Ultrasonic is the best option if you need to humidify a large space. This humidifier brought our testing room from 40% to almost 65% in only an hour. Our lead tester, Liber McKee said, “When I went in the room after an hour, it felt like I walked into a tropical jungle.” This massive increase in humidity is thanks to its effective steam and cool mist options. Like the other Levoit humidifiers, the LV600S Smart Hybrid utilizes the VeSync app to allow precise control over your home's humidity levels, even adjusting it based on the plants you have.
The Levoit LV600S Smart is able to humidify so quickly that is burns through the water in the tank quickly. If you run it on max, you can expect to refill it daily, and you'll see a spike on your power bill. However, you shouldn't need to run it on max everyday as you might end up living in a cloud. The steam feature is power hungry and loud. At first it sounds a lot like a boiling tea kettle, but quickly subsides as the steam begins. Still, if you need a machine to humidity your entire living room or office, the Levoit LV600S Smart Hybrid Ultrasonic is the option for you.
The LV600S Smart Hybrid is one of the smartest and most capable humidifiers we tested, and it has a steam option.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Compare Product Specifications
Specifications
Levoit OasisMist 450S Smart
Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart
Levoit LV600S Smart Hybrid Ultrasonic
Dreo HM311
Blueair InvisibleMist H35i
Dreo HM311S
Homvana Cool Mist H101
Vicks V745
Levoit Dual 150 Ultrasonic Cool
Raydrop Cool Mist
AquaOasis Cool Mist 2.2L
Movtip Portable Mini
Crane Drop
Pure MistAire Ultrasonic
Awards
Best Overall Humidifier
Best for Convenience
Best for Large Rooms
Best Value for Occasional Use
Best Value for Constant Use
Approximate Run Time
19.5 hours
45.9 hours
20.6 hours
43.1 hours
30.2 hours
41.6 hours
31 hours
22.1 hours
43.7 hours
14 hours
15.1 hours
37.3 hours
53 hours
22.2 hours
Humidifier Type
Ultrasonic, Steam
Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic, Steam
Ultrasonic
Evaporative
Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic
Steam
Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic
Available App
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Essential Oil Compatible
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Sleep mode
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Humidity Monitor
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Nightlight
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Capacity
1.19 gal
1.58 gal
1.58 gal
1.10 gal
0.92 gal
1.10 gal
0.79 gal
1.00 gal
0.79 gal
0.45 gal
0.58 gal
0.13 gal
1.00 gal
0.45 gal
Manufacturer Dimensions
10.8" x 6.0" x 12.0"
9.6" x 7.5" x 13.4"
11.6" x 7.7" x 11.3"
5.5" x 11.0" x 10.2"
14.6" x 9.4" x 9.4"
5.5" x 11.0" x 10.2"
6.7" x 6.7" x 11.0"
7.9" x 12.1" x 14.3"
7.2" x 8.1" x 11.6"
4.7" x 4.7" x 11.0"
9.0" x 8.0" x 6.0"
3.7" x 3.7" x 5.1"
8.6" x 8.6" x 13.4"
8.0" x 6.0" x 9.0"
Annual Cost
$167.49
$125.05
$163.53
$127.56
$42.37
$127.56
$130.28
$71.05
$127.67
$124.39
$126.96
$120.33
$124.90
$123.91
Measured Decibels
43.2
38.5
44.2
40.9
49.6
41
41.3
46.9
35.7
38.6
43.6
27.5
37.8
37.2
We created a tropical oasis during testing all to find the best humidifier on the market.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
How We Tested
After considering every humidifier on the market, we settled on the 14 models in this review. Our series of detailed tests, created by engineers and professional product testers, covers 5 main testing metrics that are detailed below.
We placed each humidifier in a temperature and humidity-controlled room. Starting at 40% humidity, we let the machines run on high for an hour. Along the way, we measured the humidity increase and assessed how each would do in various-sized rooms.
After running the machines, we gave them a standard wash. We scrubbed them inside and out and took detailed notes on how easy it was to do so. Options with larger openings did better as our hands could reach inside. Meanwhile, options with tiny nooks and edges lost points for the extra deep cleaning needed.
We measured how loud each machine was in our soundproof audio room. We also noted how each machine sounded and if the humidifier was quiet enough to sleep through.
Humidifiers shouldn't be complicated to work. We assessed the interface on the machine, noting its responsiveness and ease of navigation between settings. Humidifiers with an app had further investigation to the efficacy and usefulness of the mobile controls.
We plugged each humidifier into a Kill-A-Watt meter to see how much electricity each humidifier used during a standard run. We calculated the final annual cost using an average use of 90 consecutive days per year. Most people turn the machines on and off daily and throughout the year, so 2160 hours of use is expected on average.
Why Trust GearLab
Liber McKee is our lead tester for humidifiers. Liber is a biochemical engineer with years of experience testing household appliances and tech-related gear. Liber led the testing for this review and became deeply acquainted with every humidifier, even testing out how easy it was to sleep while they were running.
Becca Glades is a Senior Review Editor with GearLab. Prior to this, she spent years as a respiratory therapist. She is no stranger to how important humidified air can be to one's health, especially during cold and flu season. Living in Colorado with a toddler, she is constantly humidifying her household.
Kyle Hameister has a degree in Industrial Design and spent many years as a product designer. His experience allows him to truly understand what makes a product work and what makes it fall flat. Additionally, Kyle is a plant aficionado. His home looks much like a greenhouse, and living in a dry Colorado climate, a great humidifier is non-negotiable.
Analysis and Test Results
There are plenty of benefits to adding a humidifier to your home, office, or nursery, especially in dry climates. We did the work to find the best available and have outlined our process below.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
If you're okay with a bare-bones humidifier that lacks an app and screen, the Dreo HM311 is the best for an entry-level price. Slightly more expensive, the Dreo HM311S has more smart capabilities like an app and humidity percentage display. However, it should be noted that the price of humidifiers doesn't end at the initial price. They require constant maintenance and demineralized water, depending on the model you choose. Those with steam or warm mist options will require more electricity, so your power bill might be higher depending on the humidifier you choose.
While the initial cost of the Blueair InvisibleMist H35i might make you pause, the overall cost of owning the machine is significantly less than the other options in our lineup, making it one of the best value options. It barely uses any electricity to run, and it doesn't need demineralized water, which is not only less expensive but something you won't have to remember.
The Dreo models are very easy to refill thanks to their large removable lids.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Humidification
Our most important metric is based on how well each machine can humidify a room. After all, that is their intended purpose.
The humidity increase over an hour shows drastic differences between the best and worst units we tested
Credit: Liber McKee
To test this, we placed each humidifier in the same room with 40% relative humidity and evaluated the final humidity after 30 minutes and an hour of running on high. The more humid the room after an hour, the better. However, we also considered how much water this took to accomplish and how often we had to refill the machine.
Humidity Increase
Product
30 Min
60 Min
Levoit LV600S
16.4
24.8
Levoit Oasis Mist 450S
12.7
19.7
Vicks V745
10.9
16.5
AquaOasis Cool Mist
7.3
12.7
Blueair InvisibleMist
8.3
11.6
Levoit Classic 300S
7.1
12.4
Homvana Cool Mist
6.6
10.3
Raydrop Cool Mist
5.1
9
Dreo HM311S
5.4
8.7
Dreo HM311
5.4
8.6
Levoit Dual 150
4.2
7
Crane Drop
4.4
6.5
Pure MistAire
3.8
6.6
Movtip Portable Mini
0.5
0.7
The Levoit LV600S Smart Hybrid Ultrasonic is the best at humidifying rooms, especially larger rooms. In just an hour, it increased the humidity in our space to 64%, which our tester noted, “I felt like I was in a tropical jungle.” The LV600S Smart Hybrid has both ultrasonic and steam options, and our team was impressed by the efficacy of both settings, which can be used simultaneously.
The Levoit LV600S has a clean and simple interface.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Levoit Oasis Mist 450S Smart followed closely behind, increasing the room's humidity level to 59%. The Levoit LV600S pumps out more water per minute than any other machine that we tested. This means that it humidifies fast and can handle larger spaces. Just keep in mind you'll need to refill the tank more often.
Room Size
Small (<100 sq ft)
Medium (100-200 sq ft)
Large (>200 sq ft)
Levoit LV600S
Levoit Oasis Mist 450S
Vicks V745
AquaOasis Cool Mist
Levoit Classic 300S
✖
Blueair InvisibleMist
✖
Homvana Cool Mist
✖
Raydrop Cool Mist
✖
✖
Dreo HM311S
✖
✖
Dreo HM311
✖
✖
Levoit Dual 150
✖
✖
Pure MistAire
✖
✖
Crane Drop
✖
✖
Movtip Portable Mini
✖
✖
✖
While the Levoit LV 600S Smart Hybrid and Levoit Oasis Mist 450S Smart are our top picks for large rooms, the Vicks V745 is a great choice for medium to large rooms. Plus, it's about half the price of the top options. The trade-off? The no-frills machine has a simple on and off functionality and it only offers warm mist. Another worthy option for medium rooms is the AquaOasis Cool Mist 2.2L. It is quite commendable for the amount of moisture it puts off.
The Vicks 745 is a warm mist machine that is ideal for medium rooms.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Blueair InvisibleMist H35i is an evaporative humidifier, which means it works a little differently than others in the lineup. It pumps out a lot of humidity at first, but because it's relying on evaporation, it tops out at a lower maximum humidity than the others. While the 51% humidity we achieved in our tests is within the ideal range, it is a little shy for greenhouses or those who want maximum humidity.
Like its name implies, no mist is seen exiting the machine. Instead, it almost secretly humidifies the air without leaving white powder behind.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
For smaller spaces, almost every humidifier will work. We prefer the Raydrop Cool Mist and Dreo HM311 for smaller spaces, considering their price and performance. The Raydrop increased the room by 9% for a total humidity of 49%. The Dreo was barely behind with a final humidity of 48%.
The Dreo HM311 humidifies small rooms effectively for a price that is hard to beat.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The only humidifier that did almost nothing was the Movtip Portable. We only recommend this for very small spaces under 50 square feet, like a bathroom or small office.
While visually pleasing and minimalist, the Movtip is only suited for extra small spaces.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Ease of Cleaning
Keeping your humidifier clean and well-maintained is essential. Letting it go can allow mold and bacteria that can get aerosolized into the air you breathe and make you sick. We evaluated the cleaning process for each humidifier to see how simple it was to do so.
The Dreo HM311 and Dreo HM311S were the easiest to keep clean. Their tanks have lots of hand room and no crevices to get caught up on. Impressively, the base that holds the tank has no nooks either, so it is easily wiped down. Plus, the flat valve can easily be removed to clean. We were able to wipe down this entire machine with a sponge in just a few minutes, and we were pleased that no scrubbing was required.
Cleaning the Dreo HM311 and HM311S is super simple because they have all rounded edges and enough room to fit your hand.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart was also pleasantly simple to clean for many of the same reasons. It has no corners in the tank or the base unit. The large tank is easy to get a hand inside of, but it needs a little extra time, given its size.
On the other hand, the Movtip Portable Mini is so small that is cleans so quickly. The top screws off and the small cup-like tank is easily wiped down in just a few seconds.
The large Levoit Classic 300S is easy to clean, but has a large tank that takes a bit longer to scrub.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Homvana Cool Mist H101 is a large cylinder that is very open and easy to wipe clean. There are some small nooks that are harder to clean, but this model was still easier than most. We struggled to clean models with 90-degree corners and those with small fill holes. For example, the Crane Drop and AquaOasis Cool Mist have small fill holes that are impossible to reach inside of. Instead, you'll need a bottle brush to clean these models.
Options like the Homvana with no 90-degree edges are much easier to clean.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Noise
Of all things, a humidifier shouldn't be keeping you up at night. Many models have a gentle white noise or trickling-rain-like noise. Depending on your preferences, this could be a positive or negative.
The Movtip Portable Mini is the quietest humidifier we tested. Understandably, this is because it is so much smaller than the others. The noise is a very faint static sound that is not intrusive. If you choose this for a small office, the noise is not distracting.
The Movtip is so small that it barely has much sound, which is more like a faint white noise sound.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
We found that there is a necessary tradeoff between top performance and noise. The most powerful units, especially when using a warming feature, are louder. While the least effective models are often quieter. The Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart sits as a happy medium. It is more than effective as a humidifier, but it isn't too loud either. It has a low whine noise with a few dripping sounds here and there that aren't annoying.
How it Sounds
Decibel Level
Sounds Like
Rating
Movtip Portable Mini
27.5
Very faint 'static' sound
1
2
3
4
5
Crane Drop
37.8
Very quiet whir, but occasional loud drips
1
2
3
4
5
Raydrop Cool Mist
38.6
Very inoccuous with ccasional drips
1
2
3
4
5
Levoit Dual 150
35.7
Quiet but slightly high pitch whir
1
2
3
4
5
Levoit Classic 300S
38.5
A low whine, few driping sounds
1
2
3
4
5
Dreo HM311
40.9
Low whine, very quiet drips
1
2
3
4
5
Pure MistAire
37.2
Low pitch whir, medium occasional drips
1
2
3
4
5
Dreo HM311S
41
Low whine, but drips are more quiet than the whine
1
2
3
4
5
Blueair InvisibleMist
49.6
Great white noise, similar to a small fan
1
2
3
4
5
AquaOasis Cool Mist
43.2
Annoying whine
1
2
3
4
5
Homvana Cool Mist
41.3
Like a CD skipping a track, scratchy
1
2
3
4
5
Levoit Oasis Mist 450S
43.2
Low whine and a constant drip sound
1
2
3
4
5
Vicks V745
46.9
Boiling sound rises and falls on startup, then becomes constant low rumble
1
2
3
4
5
Levoit LV600S
44.2
Boiling sound when using 'warm' mist. rises and falls, then stabilizes
1
2
3
4
5
Of the larger machines, the Raydrop Cool Mist was the quietest with the most pleasant sounds. The noise is a faint white noise with occasional drips, but still quiet enough to not disturb sleep. The Crane Drop is just as quiet as the Raydrop with a quiet whir, but the occasional drips are slightly louder.
The simple-to-use Raydrop has a dial to adjust the humidity level, all of which were quiet.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Humidifiers with warm mist options tended to be louder when in this function. The boiling water sounds like, well, boiling water. We saw this in the Levoit LV600S Smart Hybrid Ultrasonic and Vicks V745 where the boiling sounds rise and fall, which we wouldn't want to sleep to.
The Levoit LV600S Smart Hybrid has a variety of sounds based on the setting, with the warm mist setting being the loudest.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Ease of Use
Humidifiers, in general, aren't extremely complicated to work, but there are key aspects that make them easier to use. We focused on how simple they were to refill, how easy the interface is to use (apps included), and how long they run for.
The Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart was the easiest to use and had one of the longest run times at 45.9 hours. It features the VeSync app, which we truly loved. From the app, you can create schedules and adjust the humidity, both warm and cool mist.
The excellent Levoit App is a feature that shouldn't be overlooked. You can adjust the output of the cool mist (blue) and warm mist (orange) independently
Credit: Natalie Kafader
We also appreciated the smart plant feature of the VeSync app. Tell it what type of plants you have, and it will automatically adjust the humidity based on the plants' preferences. Even if you're not a plant person, the app has a lot to offer. Plus, the interface on the machine is clean and simple to use, with the humidity level clearly presented. To make it even easier, the machine fills at the top with a removable tank with a carry handle.
The Levoit VeSync app has great options, like plant-specific care, targeted humidity levels, schedules, and preset modes.
The Levoit LV600S Smart Hybrid and Levoit Oasis Mist 450S Smart have many of the same features we appreciated on the Classic 300S, including the VeSync app. However, the run times are significantly less at around 20 hours.
The Crane Drop has the best run time at 53 hours, but it isn't the easiest to use otherwise. In order to fill the tank, you have to turn it upside down, unscrew the cap, and fill through a smaller hole. We found this awkward to do, but luckily, the long run time will prevent it from needing frequent refills.
The Crane Drop adjusts with a simple dial. No app. No screen to tell you the humidity.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Movtip Portable Mini has a commendable run time for being so tiny. It can run for 37.3 hours, and just has a single on/off button for its interface. To fill, you simply unscrew the lower half and fill, just like a cup.
The Movtip Portable is one of the easiest to use with its small and no-frills design.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Blueair InvisibleMist H35i was one of the easiest to refill, as water can be poured in, even while it is running. Refilling it reminded us of watering a plant. The Blueair has an app, which gets the job done, but we found it somewhat barebones. You won't have plant-specific humidification with this model, like with the Levoit models.
You don't even need to remove the tank to refill the Blueair, just pout it in through the top!
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Operation Cost
While running your humidifier, you shouldn't have to worry about how much power it's consuming. We determined how much these humidifiers will cost annually for average use, including filter changes.
The Blueair Invisible Mist is the cheapest to maintain at just $42 a year, including new filters ($20 each replaced 2x per year). This machine is extremely efficient only drawing a few dollars worth of electricity. It doesn't require distilled water or demineralization tablets since the internal filter traps minerals and prevents them from entering the air, which cuts back on cost. The next best, the Vicks V745 is almost double the cost, at $71 per year, but still far from the most expensive.
Demineralization Tablets
We included a $15 additive cost for demineralization tablets in our calculations. You'll need to grab these to keep your humidifier running smoothly and prevent white powder from entering the air. Or, you can use distilled water in your humidifier, which we highly recommend.
Almost all the other humidifiers cost in the $120-$130 range for electricity, demineralization tablets or distilled water, and regular maintenance. If you are very concerned about yearly cost, we recommend the Blueair or Vicks.
What to Consider When Choosing a Humidifier
Yes, room size matters when choosing a humidifier. You'll want to find a humidifier that fits your space best. For a quick recap:
Large rooom (over 200 sq ft): The Levoit LV600S Smart Hybrid Ultrasonic is our choice.
Medium room (100-200 sq ft): The Levoit models all do well in medium-sized rooms. The AquaOasis Coos Mist, Blueair InvisibleMist, and Vicks V745 are also capable of handling these spaces.
Small room (under 100 sq ft): Every humidifier in our review can tackle a small space. The only one we have concerns about is the Movtip Portable, which needs an extra-small room.
For most humidifiers, you'll need distilled water or demineralization tablets. It is best to avoid aerosolizing minerals that naturally occur in tap water. They aren't great to breathe in, and they can leave fine white powder in the room. To avoid this, you'll want to use distilled water or tablets. The exceptions are evaporative humidifiers, which have an internal wick that prevents minerals from entering the air in the first place.
With consistent use, you should clean your humidifier once or twice a week. Humidifiers can quickly build up bacteria and mold, so it's crucial to keep them disinfected. If you see any buildup on your machine, that is a great sign that it needs to be cleaned. Many humidifiers in our lineup suggest a deep clean once a week with a vinegar and water mixture.
Most humidifiers have an essential oil function, though you shouldn't put the oils directly in the water. Most have a special pad where the oils are deposited and then run through the machine. Not all humidifiers are essential oil-friendly, so be sure to check before you buy if this is a feature you want.
With all the humidifiers available, we hope we have helped you settle on one.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Conclusion
We hope we have helped you in your search for a humidifier. We know there is so much to consider, especially when you have little ones and plants to care for. Our team is devoted to finding the best options out there, whether it be humidifiers to keep your home cozy or air purifier to remove particulates. Whatever your needs or budget, our in-depth reviews cover some of kitchen and home appliances available today.
