The Best Humidifiers to Soothe Allergies and Dry Skin
Ahead of winter, our experts have you covered with our latest top picks.
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A capable humidifier is the best defense against dry winter air. Besides easing itchy skin, dry eyes, and stuffy noses, these devices also protect wood floors, artwork, and electronics from the damaging effects of low humidity. The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab has tested more than 25 humidifiers over the past three years.
Our top picks:
✔️ Best overall: Levoit Classic 300S Smart Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Exceptional moisture output and user-friendly features helped separate this humidifier from the pack.
✔️ Best value: Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
This humidifier costs half as much as most, making it a smart choice if you need multiple devices for your home.
✔️ Easiest to clean: Blueair DreamWell Humidifier
Our experts love this humidifier’s dishwasher-safe tank.
✔️ Best warm/cool mist combo: Levoit OasisMist 450S Smart Humidifier
Our only winner with warm-mist humidification, which is quieter than cool mist and also helps warm the air.
To arrive at these top picks, our engineers evaluated moisture output, ease of use, and noise level, all in controlled Lab conditions. Consumer testers then used the models at home to assess everyday performance in real-world conditions.
The options below cover different needs and room sizes. Some work well in nurseries; others handle whole-house coverage. But they all put much-needed moisture back into arid winter air.
Best Deal
Pros
- Easy to use and refill
- Quiet when running
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- A little tedious to clean due to its many cracks and crevices
Who it's best for
This feature-rich Levoit nabbed the top spot in our latest tests because of its solid moisture output and intuitive design. It's ideal for medium-sized rooms, including bedrooms and family rooms.
What you're getting (and what you're giving up)
Levoit humidifiers have historically been top performers in our Lab tests for ease of use. This model is no exception, featuring a transparent tank with a large top opening that makes it easy to add water when needed. Our engineers highlighted the auto-mode setting, which automatically adjusts mist levels to maintain your desired humidity.
For those looking for smart home connectivity, you can control this humidifier with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant once you set it up in the VeSync app. Plus, if you want to use it for aromatherapy, it includes a tray for essential oils. One downside our pros noted is that the humidifier base has many crevices, making it harder to clean.
What our testers said
Our consumer testers noted how quiet the ultrasonic unit was while running throughout the night. “Even on the highest setting, I thought it must be off because I could barely hear it," one tester reported, adding that the machine went for more than two days before needing a refill. The built-in night light is a nice convenience, especially for kids' rooms.
| Room size | Up to 500 sq ft |
| Dimensions | 9.6" x 7.5" x 13.4” |
| Tank capacity | 6 L |
| Weight | 4.3 lbs |
Pros
- Space-saving design
- Quiet operation
- One-button operation is easy to use
Cons
- Tank hole could be larger to ease cleaning process
Why it's hard to beat at this price
If you need to buy multiple humidifiers for your home, this well-priced model from Pure Enrichment will keep costs down without sacrificing much in performance or features.
What you're getting (and what you're giving up)
It boasts a space-saving, stylish design, and its ultra-quiet operation might make you forget you’re running a humidifier in the first place. The auto shut-off feature comes in handy when water levels are low, or the tank is misaligned. Based on our tests, the 1.5-liter tank should run for up to 12 hours on the highest setting or 24 hours on low in rooms up to 250 square feet. That runtime is about average, so you'll fill the tank more often than with larger models.
What our testers said
Testers found that the single push-button operation was easy to use once they got used to it—one push for low-speed on, two pushes for low-speed off, three pushes for high-speed on, etc. However, the MistAire wasn’t the easiest to clean in our tests because of its narrow tank opening, though it does come with a cleaning brush to make maintenance a little less arduous.
| Room size | Up to 245 sq ft |
| Tank capacity | 1.5 L |
| Dimensions | 10.9" x 9.2" x 6.9" |
| Weight | 1.35 lbs |
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe tank simplifies cleaning
- Top-fill design makes it easy to add water
- Quiet operation is great for bedrooms and nurseries
Cons
- The app can be a little hard to figure out
Who it's best for
Humidifiers are notoriously hard to keep clean, since the moist environment is a perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, and other slimy stuff. While all our picks are easier to maintain than the average humidifier, this evaporative cool-mist model from Blueair earned top marks in that department during Lab tests and extended home evaluations by consumer testers.
What you're getting (and what you're giving up)
First and foremost, the Blueair features a dishwasher-safe tank, simplifying this cleaning step, which our experts say should be done weekly when the humidifier is used daily. The humidifier earned solid cleanability scores from consumer testers. “Extremely easy to use, clean, and fill,” said one tester, adding that she “really appreciated the low water alerts and high room humidity alerts.” That information and more can be monitored through the companion app. However, another tester wished its interface had been a little more intuitive, telling us that “the only thing I disliked about the humidifier was the learning curve needed when figuring out the app.”
As for performance, the humidifier was excellent at adding moisture to the air during testing and holding it at a steady level, thanks to its built-in humidistat, which shuts the unit off when the desired moisture level is reached.
That solid performance is in line with what we’ve seen over the years with Blueair air purifiers. The brand is newer to the humidifier category, so we don’t have long-term reliability data, but we expect it to hold up well based on its overall track record.
What our testers said
The DreamWell Humidifier earned additional praise from testers for its extremely quiet operation, which makes it a good fit for bedrooms and nurseries. “I really love how quiet this humidifier is, and that there’s not a constant visible stream of water vapor coming out,” said one tester.
| Room dimensions | Up to 596 sq ft |
| Tank capacity | 3.8 L |
| Dimensions | 9.6" x 9.6" x 13" |
| Weight | 8.48 lbs |
Pros
- Movable nozzle lets you point moisture in a specific direction
- Built-in night light
- Easy to move from room to room
Cons
- Tank interior is harder to keep clean
Who it's best for
Running a humidifier in a bedroom with a sick child is one of the most common use cases we hear from readers. So we always evaluate the devices with that scenario in mind. The Vicks 3-in-1 SleepyTime Cool Mist Humidifier stood out from the pack, thanks to its kid-friendly multi-functionality.
What you're getting (and what you're giving up)
The Vicks excelled in our performance-based Lab tests, delivering solid output and operating quietly. Our testers also gave it perfect scores for being easy to set up, move around, and fill with water. Parent testers appreciated being able to adjust the nozzle to direct the moisture where needed and noted that they could easily unplug the lightweight machine and move it from one room to the next.
The Vicks humidifier includes an essential oils diffuser that releases a scent into the room. Some experts we’ve worked with on the topic of diffusers discourage their use around kids (and pets), since high doses of some essential oils can be harmful. But grown-ups who use the feature might find it reduces stress and helps with sleep, among other benefits.
What our testers said
“The kids loved the night-light feature while they were falling asleep,” said one tester. Others reported that the humidifier was a little hard to clean because of the smaller opening on its bottom-fill tank.
RELATED: The Best Humidifiers for a Baby
| Room size | Up to 250 sq ft |
| Tank capacity | 2.3 L |
| Dimensions | 8.6" x 8.15" x 8.23" |
| Weight | 3.7 lbs |
Pros
- Combines cool and warm mist in one humidifier
- Can be operated via the app or compatible voice assistants
- Easy to use and carry
- Features dual nozzle to adjust mist flow
Cons
- Not ideal for extra large spaces over 430 square feet
Who it's best for
This smart humidifier from Levoit is unique because it lets you choose between warm and cool mist, depending on your symptoms or the time of year. It also features a dual nozzle so you can adjust exactly where the mist goes.
What you're getting (and what you're giving up)
During testing, we found it easy to control humidity levels with the responsive touch buttons, and the 4.5-liter tank lasted throughout the night. Best of all, the water tank has a top-fill design with a large opening, and it’s easy to carry to a sink thanks to a comfortable handle. Our tech analysts added that you can operate the humidifier, adjust settings, or set schedules through the VeSync app or a compatible smart speaker, like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Keep in mind that it’s not ideal for extra-large spaces over 430 square feet.
What our testers said
“I really like that the nozzle swivels so that I could easily direct where I wanted the mist to go to get the best coverage,” one tester observed. All testers also liked that the high-tech unit displays the room's current humidity level.
| Room size | Up to 430 sq ft |
| Tank capacity | 4.5 L |
| Dimensions | 10.8" x 6" x 11.97” |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs |
Pros
- Huge water tank capacity
- Easy to operate
Cons
- On the noisier side
Who it's best for
This humidifier adds moisture to areas up to 1,000 square feet, making it ideal for large spaces like a house’s first floor or a small apartment. With a 15-liter capacity, this humidifier has the largest water tank on our winner’s list, meaning you won’t have to refill it with water nearly as often.
What you're getting (and what you're giving up)
This model earned top scores during testing for moisture output. When you are ready to add more water, remove the two tanks on the sides of the humidifier and refill them. Its design isn’t as sleek as other humidifiers we tested, and its boxy housing takes up more floor space.
What our testers said
The controls are simple and easy to operate—just turn the knob to adjust fan speed and humidity levels. The continuous-dial controls also allow more precise moisture output into the room. One of our testers pointed out that “the water tanks are difficult to grasp and remove.” Another tester complained that the unit gurgles, which might be annoying for light sleepers.
| Room size | Up to 1,000 sq ft |
| Tank capacity | 15 L |
| Dimensions | 13.5" x 19.5" x 10.5” |
| Weight | 9 lbs |
Pros
- Adds moisture to the air throughout the entire home
- Built-in sensor turns the system on and off automatically
- Energy-efficient design
Cons
- Steep upfront cost, especially since professional installation is required
Who it's best for
As the name suggests, whole-house humidifiers add moisture to the air throughout an entire home. Most do this by tying into the home’s existing forced-air heating system. That’s the case with the AprilAire 400, which our experts say is from one of the most reliable brands in the business today.
What you're getting (and what you're giving up)
The system uses evaporative technology, where a fan blows air through a wet filter, creating moisture that enters the air as it recirculates throughout the home. The 400 series effectively humidifies up to 5,000 square feet.
We also like the built-in sensor that detects when humidity levels drop below a set point, automatically starting the system and pumping moisture into your home’s air. That maintains optimal comfort without driving up energy costs. However, because professional installation is required, the upfront cost is steep.
| Room size | Up to 5,000 sq ft |
| Tank capacity | N/A |
| Dimensions | 15.38" x 15.75" x 10.25" |
| Weight | 8.8 Pounds |
How we test humidifiers
The product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab survey the marketplace and manufacturers year-round to identify the models consumers nationwide are most likely to find in stores and online. From there, we select models for testing across different size categories to cover every need and budget. Our engineers have evaluated dozens of humidifiers over the past decade, including 25 for this most recent review.
When our pros look at humidifiers, we first assess their ease of use: How easy is the humidifier to set up and fill? Is it easy to clean and transport? We also note how comfortable the handle is and how intuitive the controls are.
Next, we evaluate each humidifier’s performance in a series of Lab tests measuring each humidifier’s tank capacity, output capacity (liters/day), and how long a single tank fill lasts, i.e., will it make it through the night? To assess efficiency, we measure the time it takes the humidifier to reach set humidity levels in our Lab’s humidity-controlled chamber. Lastly, we take note of sound levels, energy consumption, and extra features like smart connectivity.
Experts measure the amount of electricity each humidifier uses.
What to look for when shopping for the best humidifier
✔️ Cool mist vs. warm mist: Both cool and warm mist humidifiers effectively add moisture into the air. Still, cool mist options are often better for homes with children and pets because they don’t emit potentially hazardous hot steam, as warm mist machines do. Cool mist humidifiers can be used year-round, and they are especially effective at relieving cold symptoms, since they help ease respiratory and sinus discomfort.
Within the cool-mist category, you’ll find two technologies: evaporative and ultrasonic. Evaporative humidifiers use a fan to draw air through a wet wick and then release the vapor into the air. Ultrasonic cool mist humidifiers use a high-speed vibrating plate to turn water into a fine mist. Without gurgling water, these are often the quietest cool mist humidifiers.
Meanwhile, warm mist humidifiers, also known as vaporizers, use an internal heating element to boil water and release steam into the room. They’re best for reducing germs and bacteria and are a welcome feature on colder nights when you’d like to add some heat to the air.
✔️ Size: Each humidifier is designed for a certain room size based on factors like its tank size and discharge rate. To make sure you have the right size, double-check the manufacturer’s recommended square footage for your model. Most of our picks are portable, tabletop humidifiers for small to medium rooms; if you need humidity throughout your entire home, consider one of our recommended whole-house humidifiers.
✔️ Water-tank capacity: Some humidifiers can only operate for a few hours before needing to be refilled, while others have a larger water tank capacity and can go for 48 hours or longer. For humidifiers with smaller tanks that require more frequent refills, an auto-off feature is helpful so the humidifier won’t keep running after the water runs out.
✔️ Tank design: The tank design impacts how easy a humidifier is to use and maintain. Look for tanks that have large openings to make refilling and cleaning easier. Translucent designs also help because they let you see how full the tank is, so you know when it’s time to refill.
✔️ Ease of cleaning: Cleaning your humidifier at least once a week is extremely important to prevent the growth of mold, bacteria, and microbes, which is the last thing you need flying through the air when you’re dealing with respiratory issues. Make sure your humidifier is easy to disassemble and scrub, since you’ll be doing it often.
What are the benefits of a humidifier?
Adding a humidifier to your bedroom or any other room in your home adds much-needed moisture to dry air, helping you maintain ideal indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. One of the most sought-after benefits of a humidifier is that it helps you breathe easier. But that doesn’t mean humidifiers are only for people with asthma or allergies.
In general, inhaling too much dry air can lead to nosebleeds and make breathing difficult for everyone, Janet Hill Prystowsky, M.D., explains. By adding moisture to the air, you can help lubricate dry airways, relieve stuffy noses, soothe persistent coughs, and even combat snoring.
A humidifier can even help you feel and look more refreshed by reducing water loss from your skin and preventing itchy or chapped lips. “A humidifier that adds 30% to 40% of humidity back into the air will moisturize all of your exposed surfaces,” Prystowsky said. Even better: Because your skin is more moisturized, scars, wrinkles, and facial blemishes will be less visible. Our research has also found that the right humidifier can help houseplants stay properly hydrated throughout the day.
Our experts warn that while the benefits of a humidifier are high during drier seasons like winter, it’s important not to overdo it: “High humidity can make your home feel stuffy and cause harmful bacteria or mold to grow, which can lead to more respiratory problems,” said Tonya Winders, former president and CEO of Allergy & Asthma Network. Both Winders and Prystowsky suggested using a hygrometer, which measures air moisture, if you’re not sure how much humidity is inside your home. Lastly, always clean your humidifier regularly to keep mold from growing inside. “As long as you keep it cleaned, you shouldn’t have any problems,” Prystowsky said.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Dan DiClerico has tested and written about humidifiers for 25 years. During that time, he has spearheaded numerous investigative reports on indoor air quality, working closely with outside experts from government, industry, and the home services space. As director of Home Improvement and Outdoor at the Good Housekeeping Institute, DiClerico oversaw the latest round of humidifier testing in our Labs, as well as continuous in-home, survey-based consumer testing that lets us evaluate these devices in real-world conditions.
Olivia Lipski covers everything from consumer electronics to home, outdoor, fthemness, and more. To survive harsh NYC winters (and the dry skin that comes along with it!), she’s been sleeping next to a cool mist humidifier for years.
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