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The best humidifiers for your home, tried and tested by the GHI
For happier skin, sinuses and snake plants
Tested by Blossom Boothroyd, Jasmin Joyce and Gemma Dawson
There’s more tech than ever to help us achieve the perfect air quality at home, whether you want it to be cleaner, drier or cooler. And if you find the air in your home too drying, then a humidifier is the gadget you need.
They add a fine spray of moisture to the room they’re in, making the air kinder to your skin, sinuses and even your plants.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we wanted to find out more about humidifiers and whether they’re a worthwhile investment, so we tested a selection of leading models. Below, you’ll find advice from a dermatologist and a clinical specialist about any health benefits, along with our experts' reviews. But if you’re ready to invest, these are our best buys at a glance.
Best humidifiers to buy in 2026
How we test humidifiers
Our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute collaborate with a specialist lab to trial humidifiers, so we can test them in controlled conditions.
First, we run the humidifier on its highest setting for an hour, regularly recording how it changes the room humidity. Then, we repeat the test but instead use the humidifier’s lowest setting. Lastly, we test the humidistat by lowering our room humidity, setting the level we want, and seeing how it performs when it comes to reaching and maintaining our desired level.
We measure energy consumption throughout testing, but we haven’t listed figures below as most only cost about one pence an hour to run on their highest setting and even the costliest only went up to four pence.
Our experts also assessed how easy each humidifier was to set up and use, and whether its instructions were clear. While additional features aren’t scored, we tried those out too so we could be sure every aspect will perform well in your home.
Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Auto React
Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Auto React
Pros
- Intuitive design
- On-machine screen provides you with detailed air quality information
Cons
- Noisier than some
Score: 94/100
Dyson has once again shown why it's one of the go-tos for all things at-home air treatment. This is a fan, humidifier and air purifier all in one, and testers found its sleek design easy to use from set-up to filter removal.
It has a high price tag, and it’s bigger than many of the humidifiers we tried. But it increased the humidity of our test room by 20 per cent in 30 minutes (and more gradually on a lower setting if you're after a more gentle effect). It also monitors the humidity of your room so the air doesn’t become too moist – it won’t go above 70 per cent by default but you can adjust this down to suit. And it has a handy LED screen that keeps you informed about your air quality.
It was noisier than some – we recorded 60dBs on its highest humidifying setting. This model isn’t compatible with Dyson’s app either, but it does come with a handy remote control.
Key specifications
| Mist type | Cool mist (evaporative) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D cm) | 92.3 x 22 x 15.5 |
| Weight | 8.05 kg |
| Water tank capacity | Unspecified |
| Suitable for | Room up to 27m2 |
| Features | Air purification, fan, cleaning cycle, auto shut-off, night mode, humidistat, remote control, LCD display, timers |
| Noise level in lab | Up to 60dBs (32.1dBs on low) |
Duux Tag Ultrasonic Humidifier
Duux Tag Ultrasonic Humidifier
Pros
- Compact, simple design
- Easy to fill water tank that turns off automatically when empty
Cons
- Just two mist options and no humidistat
Score: 91/100
Weighing just one kilogram, this simple humidifier can easily accompany you from room to room as you go about your day. Setting it up was easy on test, and even filling the water tank was fuss-free. It’s stable too, which may be handy if you have little ones running around.
While it’s not the fanciest humidifier on this list (it only has two mist options, for example) it was still effective, boosting humidity by 31 per cent in 30 minutes. There’s no timer or humidistat though, so you may need to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t over-saturate your room. Its tank is designed to last for up to ten hours, and then when empty, it shuts off. You’ll have to monitor the tank too, as it won’t notify you when the water has run out.
Its distinctive, modern style is a pleasant alternative to some of the more functional-looking humidifiers though, so it should look the part in your home – and for significantly less than our winner.
Key specifications
| Mist type | Cool mist (ultrasonic) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D cm) | 29 x 29 x 19.3 |
| Weight | 1kg |
| Water tank capacity | 2.5L |
| Suitable for | Rooms up to 30m2 |
| Features | Anti-limescale feature; child-safe; two humidifying speeds |
| Noise level in lab | Up to 35.3dBs |
Levoit Smart Warm & Cool Humidifier
Levoit Smart Warm & Cool Humidifier
Pros
- Unique settings including warm mist, night lights, and scent diffusion
- Simple to use
Cons
- No wheels, so not the easiest to move
- Achieved high humidity levels across default settings, so worth using the manual humidistat
Score: 90/100
If you want a humidifier that will rapidly transform your air, this Levoit should please, as it increased our room humidity by nearly 46 per cent in half an hour – the highest on test. It also has a humidistat that you can set manually, which is handy as the lowest of its three pre-set mist settings was almost as powerful as its highest. This model was a little slow to respond to a drop in moisture in the air too.
You can choose between warm and cool mist (so it should suit all year round) and control it all from your smartphone via a simple and intuitive app. As it has a light feature, it would also fit right into a child’s bedroom (and save you investing in a nightlight), while its aroma pad means you can enjoy fragranced air if you want it in yours.
But it doesn’t have a timer, and testers found it bulky to move due to the lack of wheels. A carry handle on the water tank makes that more portable though (it notifies you when it's empty), and cleaning its filters is a simple job.
Key specifications
| Mist type | Warm and cool |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D cm) | 30.4 x 15.2 x 27.4 |
| Weight | 2.4kg |
| Water tank capacity | 4.5L |
| Suitable for | Rooms up to 40m |
| Features | Aroma diffuser, quiet mode, adjustable humidity control, remote control, humidistat; night light; warm and cool mist |
| Noise level in lab | Up to 34.2dBs |
Pros
- Quiet
- See-through water tank makes it easy to know when to top it up
Cons
- The highest setting used 0.189kWh more than the lowest setting every hour (around five pence more)
- No clear instructions on when the mineral absorption pad (which reduces scale build up) should be replaced
Score: 86/100
This smart device increased the humidity of our test room by 30% in just half an hour when placed on its highest setting, and after an hour, the whole room had become misty. Even on its lowest setting, this humidifier was impressive, raising the humidity by over 10%.
The accompanying app made adjusting the settings a smooth process and our experts loved the reminders about cleaning and the approximate life of the current filter.
Our main bugbear was the water tank, which didn’t seem overly secure. At times, it would slide out when we picked the unit up and, while the tank has a handle to make it easy to carry, it dripped water from the base when we went to refill. That’s something to just be aware of, though; otherwise, it’s a worthwhile buy for year-round use.
Key specifications
| Mist type | Warm and cool mist |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D cm) | 19 x 26 x 20 |
| Weight | 2.7kg |
| Water tank capacity | 6L |
| Suitable for | Bathroom, bedroom and office |
| Features | Adjustable humidity control, smart app compatibility, aroma pad |
| Noise level in lab | 45.6dB (on highest setting) |
Pros
- Easy to top up by pouring water into the top dish
- Aesthetically pleasing design with mood lighting
Cons
- Less effective than others
- We measured little difference between the highest and lowest setting
Score: 76/100
This evaporative humidifier is certainly one of the best-looking models we’ve ever tested – the beige or grey colourways will blend seamlessly into your interiors. It's very quiet – 20dB on the low setting – and as well as misting the room, you can also pop some essential oils on the stone to scent your space. Plus, it has mood lighting – very Zen.
Our testers loved how easily you can fill it up from the top with a bottle, so there’s no need to extract the tank and take it to the sink – a max line would be helpful, though. We also liked having a machine-washable filter, and the exterior is simple to wipe clean, thanks to the touch buttons. It has a timer, but it’s only accessible via the app.
As for performance, it was less effective than the other humidifiers on this list, only increasing our test room’s humidity by 15% in 30 minutes – and the result was the same on both the highest and lowest setting. The humidistat is fairly accurate, but instead of turning off at the target humidity, it switches to the lowest fan speed, which may not be ideal if you’re leaving it on for hours. Overall, though, it’s a lovely calming device for light humidification.
Key specifications
| Mist type | Cool mist (evaporative) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D cm) | 33 x 24.4 x 24.4 |
| Weight | 2.4 kg |
| Water tank capacity | 3.8 L |
| Suitable for | Rooms up to 55 m² |
| Features | Adjustable humidity control; app connectivity; aroma stone; mood lighting; timer (via app) |
| Noise level | 20-40 dB |
What to look for in a humidifier
These are the key features to consider when shopping.
Humidistat and timer – these help maintain healthy humidity levels and stop the room from getting too damp. Some models can automatically switch off once the target humidity is reached, then turn back on if levels drop again.
Warm or cool mist – warm mist humidifiers heat water to create steam, while cool mist models are either ultrasonic (using vibrations to create a fine mist) or evaporative (using a fan, which can make them noisier). Some models do both for year-round use.
Cleaning and maintenance requirements – regular upkeep is essential to prevent bacteria and mould build-up, so check how easy the tank and filters are to clean before buying.
Noise levels or night mode – if you plan to humidify your bedroom, look for a quiet model or one with a dedicated sleep or night setting.
Extra features – some humidifiers also offer aromatherapy, air purification, fan functions, app connectivity or mood lighting for added versatility.
What does a humidifier do for you?
Humidifiers help add moisture back into dry air, which can benefit your sinuses, skin and even some houseplants. Just bear in mind that experts say it’s important to keep humidity levels balanced.
“The optimal relative humidity for a home should be between 30 and 50 per cent,” advises Amena Warner, head of clinical services at Allergy UK.
Potential benefits of using a humidifier include:
- Helping to ease dry, blocked sinuses
- Keeping skin hydrated and reducing dryness
- Offering some relief for conditions such as eczema
- Supporting moisture-loving houseplants
If you suffer from skin issues, a humidifier could help relieve symptoms. “Low humidity can lead to dry, itchy skin by causing moisture to evaporate more rapidly from the skin's surface,” says Harley Street Consultant Dermatologist and Surgeon, Dr Magnus Lynch. “Humidifiers can indeed help alleviate dry skin and conditions like eczema by increasing moisture levels in the air.”
However, both experts say moderation and maintenance are important. “Over 50% humidity is the condition house dust mites love best,” Warner explains, while Dr Magnus notes: “If not properly maintained, humidifiers can harbour bacteria and mould.”
To keep things comfortable, experts recommend monitoring humidity levels and cleaning your humidifier regularly.
What type of humidifier is best: warm mist or cool mist?
Cool mist humidifiers are generally more popular because they’re energy efficient, suitable for year-round use and safer around children and pets, as there’s no hot steam involved.
Warm mist models can feel more soothing in winter and may help a room feel cosier, but they tend to use more electricity because they heat the water before releasing moisture into the air. The heated water is better at preventing bacteria build-up, though.
Some humidifiers offer both warm and cool mist for year-round use.
How do I choose the right size humidifier for my room?
Most manufacturers list a recommended coverage area or room size, so choose your humdifier based on your space. Smaller models are usually best for bedrooms, nurseries or home offices, while larger-capacity humidifiers are better suited to bigger living rooms or open-plan spaces. Tank size is also worth considering, as a larger tank generally means a longer runtime and fewer refills.
What are the signs I need a humidifier?
Dry indoor air can cause a variety of symptoms, particularly during winter when heating systems are in regular use. Common signs you may benefit from a humidifier include:
- Dry or itchy skin
- Chapped lips
- Dry throat or nasal passages
- Congestion or sinus irritation
- Static electricity
- Dry eyes
- Houseplants drying out quickly
If your home regularly feels dry or uncomfortable indoors, increasing the humidity may help improve comfort levels.
Is it good to sleep with a humidifier in your bedroom?
Many people find humidifiers helpful overnight, especially for dry skin, congestion or irritation caused by indoor heating. Just make sure humidity levels stay between 30% and 50%, as excess moisture can encourage mould and dust mites.
Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
We want your home to be just right, so whether you need cleaner, warmer or cooler air, we’ve tested an appliance to help. Humidifiers are no exception and to put them through their paces, our homes testing manager, Blossom Boothroyd, carefully crafted the protocols to make sure each one performed as you would need it to at home, adding sufficient moisture to the air, without going over the top.
Our senior homes and lifestyle writer, Megan Geall looks after all our home appliance reviews, and wanted to make sure that we carefully examined the benefits of each humidifier, including any health claims, as well as bringing you the detailed pros and cons of each.
The verdict on humidifiers
The highest scoring humidifier we tried is the multitasking Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Auto React – also a fan and air purifier, testers found it easy to use and were impressed with how quickly it added moisture to the air.
The Dyson is a big investment though, so if you'd prefer to spend less, the compact Duux Tag Ultrasonic Humidifier was an impressive humidifier in a small package and only scored three points less.
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
Jasmine is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s homes writer. With a background in design, she is committed to sorting the good products from the great –and helping Good Housekeeping readers do the same.
Throughout her career, Jasmine has written extensively about product quality, craftsmanship and sustainability, and is passionate about consumer rights. She previously worked as a writer and researcher at the product longevity platform Buy Me Once.
If she isn’t reviewing the latest gadgets for your home, you can probably find Jasmine cooking elaborate meals or crafting something weird and wonderful!
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
Jasmin is a Household Product Specialist at the Good Housekeeping Institute, with extensive experience testing products across kitchen, sleep, laundry care, household cleaning, refrigeration, dish care and more. Her work ranges from detailed performance analysis of washing machines, dishwashers and refrigeration appliances to hands-on assessments of cookware, cleaning products and sleep essentials.
With a Master’s degree in Chemistry from Imperial College London, Jasmin combines technical expertise with a strong aptitude for interpreting large datasets to deliver clear, evidence-based consumer insights.
Gemma brings a unique blend of skills to the Good Housekeeping Institute's homes testing team, with a degree in physical product design and experience working in UX research and product management at NBCUniversal’s Hayu. She played a key role in platform projects, including supporting the launch of The Real Housewives of London (the streaming platform's first original show), so she knows a thing or two about efficiency and detail.
Passionate about making shopping smoother and more intuitive, she's on a mission to help consumers feel confident in their purchases, because let’s be honest, no one has time to scroll forever!
