5 Best Humidifiers of 2024, Tested & Reviewed by Experts
Time to take a deep breath.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
An air humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping soothe dry skin and even relieve common cold symptoms like a stuffy nose or coughing at night during dry seasons. But those aren’t the only humidifier benefits — a humidifier can actually make it easier to breathe so you wake up feeling more rested and refreshed. Whether you’re looking for a humidifier to improve allergy symptoms, soothe your baby or help you fall asleep without itchy eyes and a scratchy throat, our pros recently put 12 humidifiers to the test to help you narrow down the best ones for you and your space. Below, we feature everything from humidifiers for your bedroom to ones that are suitable for larger spaces like an entire apartment, as well as our favorite picks for humidifiers for plants and babies.
The engineers and product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test everything to help you maintain top-notch indoor air quality, from the best portable air conditioners to air purifiers, dehumidifiers and more. Over the past decade, we’ve evaluated at least two dozen humidifiers in the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab, assessing each one for its ease of use and performance, including how easy it is to fill, the intuitiveness of controls, the tank’s capacity and more. To better understand each humidifier’s efficiency, we set each one up in our Lab’s humidity-controlled chamber to measure the time it takes the humidifier to reach set humidity levels. Finally, we send humidifiers home with testers to share real feedback on how they performed in their homes. These are the best humidifiers of 2024, based on extensive testing data and picks our testers couldn’t get enough of.
After our top picks, continue reading to learn more about the benefits of a humidifier and what to look for when shopping for one.
Other humidifiers to consider
- PureGuardian Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier: Not everyone owns houseplants, but keeping them alive and well typically requires a moist, humid environment. Our experts think this is the best humidifier for plants because of its slim design and 70-hour run time, according to the brand. Dan DiClerico, the director of the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab, likes that the compact shape makes it easy to squeeze in among plants, noting that the humidifier is easy to use, thanks to a top-fill tank. Featuring multiple night lights, three mist settings and an essential oils tray, it’s a versatile pick that can be used in your bedroom or a child’s nursery.
- Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier: Searching for a humidifier for a baby? Not only is this an adorable and fun addition to a nursery, but this machine will add moisture to the air to help your child breathe easier. It comes in 16 different kid-friendly designs, including unicorn and train themes. While the cute factor might appeal to parents, the design may not be for everyone, which is why it’s not featured among our top picks. Nevertheless, our pros like that it's quiet when operating so it won't wake up your baby up and with a one-gallon tank, it’s suitable for rooms up to 500 square feet. We found the base relatively easy to clean, and appreciate the auto shut-off sensor for when water levels are low so you don’t have to worry about monitoring it constantly. “We got this for our son because of his seasonal allergies and it works so well! He used to wake up with a horrible dry cough but since this penguin humidifier, no more cough! It’s super-easy to set up and easy to clean,” one Amazon reviewer says. If you prefer a simpler, traditional design, we also recommend the Honeywell Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier, which is our best overall humidifier for babies.
- Trusens Ultrasonic Humidifier: While considerably larger than other humidifiers on this list, it would be a shame to overlook this pick as ultrasonic cool mist humidifiers are some of the quietest you can find. In our most recent Lab tests, it earned top overall scores and stood out for its effective performance (not to mention its sleek design). It features a built-in hygrometer that gives you a precise way of both knowing and controlling the humidity in your room and a compact Bluetooth remote makes adjusting it a snap. According to the brand, one fill should provide up to 80 hours of mist and you’ll be notified by a red light when it’s time to add more water. The Trusens aced our output capacity testing, dispersing up to 6 gallons of water in a 24-hour period at maximum effluence (with refilling the tank). “I liked how well it worked without feeling overwhelming,” one tester says. “It had a remote that you could easily attach back to the humidifier when not in use, and I liked that you could use night settings so it wouldn’t be brightly lit and would automatically shut off.” At 23 inches tall, its bulkier size means that it’s not for everyone, but it’s certainly worth considering if you have a medium- to large-sized space of up to 485 square feet.
How we test humidifiers
The engineers and product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have evaluated dozens of humidifiers in the past decade, reviewing 12 humidifiers in our most recent in-Lab test led by Nikolas Greenwald, Lab Assistant at the Good Housekeeping Institute.
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 take note of how comfortable the handle is as well as the intuitiveness of controls. Next, we evaluate each humidifier’s performance in a series of Lab tests measuring each humidifier’s tank capacity, output capacity (gallons/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.
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, but cool mist options tend to be better for homes with children and pets since potentially hazardous hot steam isn't emitted. Cool mist can be used year-round and is effective at helping relieve cold symptoms. Meanwhile warm mist options are best for reducing germs and bacteria, and will be 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. And while this article focuses on portable, tabletop humidifiers for small to medium rooms, if you need humidity throughout your entire home you may want to consider a whole-house humidifier.
✔️ Water-tank capacity: Some humidifiers can only operate for a few hours before needing to be refilled, while others have larger water tank capacity and can go a full 24 hours. For humidifiers that have smaller tanks and require more frequent refilling, an auto-off feature is good to have so that the humidifier won't try to continue running even after the water runs out.
✔️ Tank design: The tank design impacts how easy a humidifier is to use. Look for tanks that have large openings to make refilling and cleaning easier. Translucent designs are also helpful because they allow you to 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.
Which is better: air purifiers or humidifiers?
Whether you’re searching for a humidifier, air purifier or some combination of both, the right choice for you ultimately depends on the conditions of your home and the reason behind your symptoms. Greenwald sums up the humidifier vs. air purifier question like this, “air purifiers and humidifiers serve different purposes: air purifiers remove pollutants from the air through a filtration system, whereas humidifiers help you control the humidity of your home.” DiClerico points out that indoor air that’s dry (or with relative humidity below 30%) can create an environment that leads to irritated skin, dry eyes and even nosebleeds. He explains: “A humidifier will help relieve those symptoms by adding moisture back into the air.” Humidifiers are also a good choice when experiencing cold symptoms or other respiratory infections since “humidifiers increase the water content in the air, loosening phlegm and soothing dry airways,” Greenwald says.
Air purifiers, on the other hand, are helpful when low humidity isn’t the issue. “If your indoor air quality is being impacted by things like dust and pet dander, then an air purifier will be the more valuable device,” DiClerico says. Greenwald adds that air purifiers can also help provide relief for conditions like allergies brought on by pollen or irritation from pollution like wildfire smoke by reducing the concentration of those irritating triggers in the air. And if you live in a home with high relative humidity (60% and up), airborne allergens like mold and mildew can thrive in that environment. “An air purifier might help matters some, but you’re better off using a dehumidifier to address the underlying condition by drying out the air,” DiClerico says.
The bottom line: “Managing indoor air quality is usually a multi-pronged strategy, so most homes will benefit from using a humidifier or dehumidifier (depending on the season), in tandem with an air purifier, while also practicing best indoor air quality practices, like vacuuming regularly and washing bedding once a week in hot water” DiClerico says.
What are the benefits of a humidifier?
Adding a humidifier to your bedroom or any other room in your home zaps dry air with much-needed moisture so you can maintain ideal indoor humidity levels ranging between 30% to 50%. One of the most sought-after benefits of a humidifier is that it helps you breathe easier. But that doesn’t mean that humidifiers are only for asthma sufferers or those with allergies. In general, inhaling too much dry air can lead to nosebleeds and make breathing difficult for everyone, explains Janet Hill Prystowsky, M.D. 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 leave you feeling and looking more refreshed by decreasing the loss of water in 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 says. Even better: Because your skin is more moisturized, scars, wrinkles and facial blemishes will be less visible.
Our experts warn that while the benefits of a humidifier are high during drier seasons like winter, it's important to not 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," says Tonya Winders, president and CEO of Allergy & Asthma Network. Both Winders and Prystowsky suggest using a hygrometer, which measures air moisture if you’re not sure how much humidity is inside your home. You can also opt for a digital air monitor like the Airthings View, a 2022 Home Reno Awards Winner. Lastly, you should always make sure to clean your humidifier regularly to keep mold from growing inside. "As long as you keep it cleaned, you shouldn't have any problems," Prystowsky says.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Rachel Rothman previously worked at the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 14 years. She used her B.S.E. in mechanical engineering and applied mechanics from the University of Pennsylvania to lead the constant evolution of the Institute’s technical and testing protocols and tested just about every home renovation tool out there, ranging from space heaters to power washers to lawn mowers and more. She oversaw all testing related to humidifiers and dehumidifiers.
The Lab’s latest humidifier testing was overseen by Nikolas Greenwald, the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Lab assistant. He has a B.S. in chemical engineering and over seven years of experience working on research projects ranging from computer engineering to biopharmacology, using a data-driven approach to answer tough questions.
This guide was updated by product analyst Olivia Lipski, who covers everything from consumer electronics to home, outdoor, fitness and more. She consulted the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Improvement and Outdoor Director, Dan DiClerico, as well as the Lab’s extensive testing data. 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.
Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years, overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems.
Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.
As a data engineer in the Good Housekeeping Institute, Nik (he/him) works with all of our Labs to develop testing protocols and manage data collection and analysis. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Nik worked in the labs of MIT and Regeneron, working on projects ranging from chemical inventory and reporting to the development of bioassays. He holds a degree in chemical engineering from Northeastern University.
Watch Next
Get Inspired by These Cozy Bedroom Design Ideas
The Best Split King Adjustable Beds
The Best Window Air Conditioners for Your Home
The Best Portable Air Conditioners