18 Best Humidifiers for Every Season: Dyson, Levoit, Homedics

By Terri Williams

Illustration by Lizzie Soufleris

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No matter the space, you need just the right level of humidity to provide a healthy environment in your home. Not too much and not too little. The best humidifier can help ensure you have the right relative humidity to decrease the symptoms of allergies and winter dryness. Humidifiers can also provide relief from spring allergies and sinuses, as well as dry air that accompanies summer heat and stuffy air conditioning.

According to Ratika Gupta, MD, a board-certified allergist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Brooklyn, indoor allergens are a major contributor to allergy symptoms, ranging from sneezing and post-nasal drip to itchy eyes and asthma-type symptoms. And in the winter, when we tend to spend more time indoors, Dr. Gupta says these may be more pronounced. "Humidifiers help keep the nasal passages moisturized so they don't feel dry," she explains. "Studies show that moderate humidity levels could help decrease airborne pathogens, which then may decrease the risk of getting sick."

Does this mean that buying a humidifier will solve all your problems? Not necessarily. "Humidifiers keep the air moisturized, which dust mites actually love," Dr. Gupta explains. "It is important to keep the humidity level monitored to decrease the symptoms." She recommends a humidity level of around 40–50% to keep your air moisturized while staving off dust mites and mold. (On the other hand, if your humidity level is too high, you may need to get a dehumidifier.

We’ve noted that some of the best humidifiers on our list (which are available at most major retailers) can be used as essential oil diffusers; however, Dr. Gupta does not recommend these types of machines for everyone. "Avoid essential oils in humidifiers—especially if you have asthma," she says.

Here's the full list of humidifiers we tested, feel free to jump straight to them or keep scrolling:

Dr. Gupta provides four tips when it comes to finding the perfect humidifier for your home:

Levoit makes some of the best air purifiers on the market, but we also think the Levoit LV600HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier is one of the best humidifiers for most people. Here's why: It can hold 1.5 gallons of water and has a 50-hour run time before the tank needs to be refilled. And since it's filter-free, you don't have to worry about the cost of replacing them. The humidifier, which has an automatic shutoff, can cover large rooms—up to 753 square feet—and it functions as either an ultrasonic cool mist humidifier or a warm mist humidifier, so it can be used during spring, summer, or winter months. Also, the humidity sensor can detect the room's humidity level in the room and make adjustments automatically. As Dr. Gupta pointed out, it's best if you don't use essential oils in humidifiers, but there is an aroma box for adding them, in addition to aroma pads, and even a cleaning brush. It's also really easy to control the Levoit LV600HH via the touch controls on the humidifier's interface, or use the remote control. Levoit doesn't list the noise level, but as a tester, I can tell you that it sounds like a whisper, and you will barely hear it. The humidifier is available in black or white.

Another one of our top picks is the Levoit Dual 200S Smart Humidifier. It looks like a stylish water jug, but it's actually a smart appliance with a 25-hour runtime before it needs to be refilled and comes in at almost half the price of its larger cousin above. The portable Levoit Dual 200S can hold 0.79 gallons and can cover up to 290 square feet. Since it fills from the top, the humidifier is both leak-proof and easy to fill and clean, and it is compatible with essential oils. Even though it's economically priced, the Levoit Dual 200S has a built-in humidity sensor that can automatically detect if the room is too dry or too humid and adjust the mist levels accordingly. The cool mist humidifier can be controlled via Alexa and Google using Levoit's VeSync app, and there's a scheduling feature where you can set when to turn it on and off. In addition, the Noise Defender design lets it operate quietly. BTW, Levoit also makes some of our favorite vacuums, too.

By Erika Owen

By Rachel Davies

By Eva Morell

The Elechomes SH8830 Humidifier has a run time of 72 hours, so you don't have to keep refilling it. In fact, this unit has the longest run time of all the items on our list. For use as both a warm mist humidifier and cool mist humidifier, making it ideal for spring allergies, dry summer heat and winter months. We also like that this top fill model is quite easy to fill, empty, and clean. In addition, the 360-degree double rotatable nozzles let you aim the mist in any direction, and the appliance doesn't get louder than 20dB, making it really quiet. Since the humidifier has an auto mode, it will automatically adjust the air's humidity. The touch controls are easy to use, and the remote control provides additional convenience. It's available in black and white.

Although it's the newest addition to our list, the Smartmi Rainforest Evaporative Humidifier gets my vote for the coolest design. The white appliance with gold accents is stylish for sure, but that's just the icing on the cake. What really impressed me is the transparent window that allows us to view the rainwater effect. It's calm and peaceful, almost hypnotic to watch–and if you’re the type of person who falls asleep easier when it's raining, you’ll love listening to the drizzling rain in the humidifier as you drift off to sleep. I also liked being able to add water without removing or opening anything. Simply pour water into the water shower LED screen at the top (yes, you pour the water on the screen, which further adds to that spa-like effect). The light ring lets you know how much water has been added, and the hygrometer shows the relative humidity. The 3 liter evaporative humidifier has a run time of 15 hours (along with auto, max, and sleep modes), and it automatically shuts off when empty or if the appliance is tipped. It can also be controlled via Smartmi Link App, and using voice control. The self-cleaning machine also has a replaceable filter.

The Vitruvi Cloud Humidifier isn't one of our top picks just because it's pretty, though it definitely is! The uniquely-designed device can humidify up to 600 square feet, and is also whisper quiet. If night lights keep you from sleeping, they can be turned off while the device works to improve your air quality. The size is perfect for any room in your home and even fits well in small spaces. Also, as a tester, I can tell you that the humidification touch controls aren't visible from a distance, which helps to disguise the humidifier's true identity and makes it look more like a stylish accessory in your room. You can set the humidifier to run for 8, 12, 16 or 24 hours, and the water bucket can be removed and is dishwasher safe. It's a simple process: take the easily removed top off, and then take the bucket out. The cool mist humidifier, which has adjustable mist levels, is available in three stylish colors: dove, oat, and white.

By Erika Owen

By Rachel Davies

By Eva Morell

The TruSens Humidifer has a water softening filter for tap water that works to reduce both build-up and white dust. Each filter lasts for an average of four months. The humidifier also has a UV-C light, which is designed to kill any bacteria in the mist. The large water tank, which holds 2.1 gallons of water, allows the humidifier to work for up to 80 hours before it needs to be refilled. The tank's LED will glow a bright red color when the tank is out of water or when the water softening filter needs to be replaced. As a tester, I was happy to discover that the humidifier's lid is removable for ease of cleaning and refilling the device, and the portable humidifier has a carry handle as well. The timer can be set for 2, 4, 8, or 12 hours, and it can be used as a cool mist humidifier or the user can take advantage of the warm mist options. The device works quietly the remote control SensorPod can be used to gauge the room's humidity level, and then adjust the humidifier's settings and control the power.

If you’re looking for a humidifier that's simple enough to let your older kids use and also easy to transport, consider the portable Lasko UH250 Ultrasonic Cool Mist humidifier. There are only three touch controls (power, mist settings, and auto-off timer) as well as an option to turn the nightlight on or off. The tank holds 0.924 gallons and can last 18 hours on low. It's a top filler, making it easy to clean. There are no filters to change out, although the humidifier does have an aromatherapy scent tray for essential oils.

The Levoit OasisMist Smart Humifidier is another stylish and well-performing device. Functioning as both a warm mist humidifier and a cool mist humidifier to improve your indoor air, you get up to 45 hours before the tank needs to be refilled. The water tank has a spacious opening that is easy to fill, and it also has a handle for easy transport. If you connect the humidifier to the VeSync app, this will allow you to remotely control the device (turning it on and off, changing the mist settings, and scheduling timers). For example, you can schedule it to turn off when you leave for work and then turn back on at 5:00 pm so it'll start misting the air before you return home. You can also add essential oils to the aroma pad to create an essential oil diffuser. The noise level is a low 26dB, and as a tester, I can verify that the noise level is nonexistent.

It's important to keep your humidifier clean so mold and mildew won't build up in it. Unfortunately, most people are merely guessing when they need to clean their devices to keep their indoor air healthy. However, in testing the TotalComfort Deluxe, I was happy to see that it has a clean reminder on the control panel that glows red when it's time to perform this function. The cool mist humidifier has a 1.47 gallon water tank capacity and lasts up to 70 hours before the device needs to be refilled. There are three cool mist settings, and the device can be set for 4, 8, or 12 hours and the control panel includes a built-in hygrometer. There are also essential oil tray pads and a demineralization cartridge to reduce white dust. The ultrasonic humidifier has a top-fill water tank and the quiet operation is another bonus–plus the lights can be turned off when you’re ready to go to sleep. It's one of our best humidifiers because it has a unique design that makes it an attractive addition to any room, and the wooden legs allow it to be placed on the floor or on a table. Homedics also sells a mini version on its website.

By Erika Owen

By Rachel Davies

By Eva Morell

It's significantly more expensive than the other humidifiers on our list, but the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde PH04 also does a lot more, actually reducing the number of appliances you may need in your home. It captures pollutants in the air while also measuring moisture levels in the air, and then produces hygienically humidified and purified air—and it can also cool like a fan. The Dyson is also fully sealed to HEPA H13 standards, which means it can remove 99.95% of particles in the air. In addition to maintaining the target level of moisture in the air, our favorite feature is that the air purifier/humidifier also destroys formaldehyde, which can be present in paint, furniture, carpets, household cleaners, fireplaces, and even plywood. You can also control it with the remote, via the Dyson Link app, or use voice assistants. The Deep Clean cycle can be activated at the touch of a button, and removes any mineral build-up. The Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde is available in Nickel/Gold and White/Gold.

If you prefer a humidifier that fills from the bottom, the Elechomes UC5501 is one of the best humidifiers to choose. It has a 1.6-gallon tank capacity, and it can provide 60 hours of cool mist humidification or be used as warm mist option during winter months to moisten dry air. The ultrasonic humidifier also has a sleep noise level of less than 32dB, and the quiet operation was one of my favorite features as a tester. Also, the humidity sensor automatically makes adjustments to provide the right humidity level to create the best air quality. The 360-degree dual nozzle lets you aim the mist in the desired location, and the LED touch display controls are easy to operate.

Thoroughly cleaning you humidifier is crucial to ensure that mold doesn't start growing inside of it, which can negatively impact air quality and make sinus conditions worse. Instead of just washing the CarePod 31S Stainless Steel Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier, it's actually designed for you to boil the detachable food grade 304 stainless steel tank and lid on the stove, which sterilizes the items. (Admittedly, I thought this made it more tedious to clean but liked the fact that there was no mistaking how clean it was.) The parts fit into an attractive container with a top-fill lid, which makes it easy to fill with water. The top also includes LED controls for choosing one of three mist levels (or setting a 4, 6, or 10 hour time) and viewing the water level. A reusable filter is also included and it also serves as an aromatherapy pad for essential oils.

Several hundred dollars less expensive than the Dyson we chose as the Best Splurge option, the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool doesn't include the formaldehyde detection option. However, it has a feature the other Dyson doesn't include: autoreact. This allows the humidifier to automatically react to changes in the air using Dyson's proprietary algorithm. And when the air changes, the device adjusts air flow and humidity levels (although we could also set it ourselves and view the current humidity level on the screen). And since it's also a purifier—and uses a HEPA H13 filter—pollutants, odors, and gases are also removed from the air and sealed inside the unit. The machine can produce cool air and provides a choice of several air flow modes. When it's cold outside and I’m not really looking for a breeze, I like the option to put the unit in backward airflow mode, which diverts air through the back of the machine. I also like the magnetized remote, which can be stored on the machine itself so it won't get lost.

By Erika Owen

By Rachel Davies

By Eva Morell

The Canopy Humidifier Plus can hydrate rooms of up to 1,000 square feet, making it an ideal choice for large rooms. The 5.5 liter tank holds enough water for the machine to run for 36 hours before it needs to be refilled. Since it's an evaporative humidifier, there's no visible mist and the smart sensors will continue to run until there's no water left in the machine, which helps to prohibit the growth of mold. (I don't like to leave appliances running when we’re not home, but I found out the only way to turn it off—when there's water in it—is to remove the tray, empty the water tank, and then let the unit's fan run until the filter is dry.) The unit also uses a paper filter, which is designed for the water to evaporate, while the contaminants (like dust and metal) are trapped on the filter instead of being released back into the air. If you want to use essential oils, it has an aroma puck for switching out scents and a diffusion well for continuous aroma diffusion. Touch button controls on the top are easy to operate and both the light and filter notifications illuminate when it's time to add water or change the filter. Also, most of the parts can be placed in the dishwasher. The unit comes in three colors: moonstruck, white, and cream.

You may know Govee as the company that makes really cool light strips and light bars for gaming, outdoor, and TV setups. However, they also make a pretty good humidifier and managed to incorporate cool lighting in it as well. I love the night light at the bottom of the unit, and when I connected the humidifier to the Govee Home App, I could choose from a sliding scale of soothing color and adjust brightness levels as well. On my smartphone, I was also able to adjust the target humidity levels, create daily schedules, choose from one of nine mist levels, and turn the UVC sterilization feature on or off. The Govee humidifier is also compatible with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, or you can use the manual controls on the front of the unit, which is also where the built-in hygrometer is located. The top-fill humidifier is easy to clean and includes an essential oil diffuser.

One of the smallest units on our list, the Lasko Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is also one of the easiest to use. The simple manual controls allowed us to easily turn the dial to select the perfect humidity level, and the 360-degree nozzle can be aimed in any direction. Also, the LED night-light provides seven colors to choose from. The unit includes an aromatherapy tray that is compatible with essential oils, and the water tank holds 95 ounces of water and shuts off when there's no water left. There's a cleaning brush included, but not a filter. The only negative I experienced, though it's hard to complain at this price point, is that after filling the tank I had to flip it right side up and mount it on the base.

The Paris Rhone 4L Top Fill Humidifier is undoubtedly one of the easiest units to clean. The simple (yet attractive) design includes a top that comes right off—no lifting, unscrewing, or maneuvering required. It's so simple that it's comparable to taking a lid off of a pot. And then the container can be taken to the sink to clean, plus there is plenty of room for a hand to fit inside. Since it's a top-fill humidifier, I also found it easy to fill and empty the unit without splashing water everywhere. The LED screen includes a built-in hygrometer, three mist settings (low, mid, high), and an auto humidity sensor. The timer can be set to anywhere from 1 to 12 hours, and the quiet humidifier (28dB) also has an essential oil diffuser.

By Erika Owen

By Rachel Davies

By Eva Morell

The Pure Enrichment HumeXL Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier has two independent 360-degree mist nozzles, which allowed me to either aim them both in the same direction or point them in different directions (and the latter is ideal when there's more than one person in the room). The stylish silver unit with black trim has an LED touch button display, and the night light, which produces a soft glow, can be turned off. In addition to night mode, there are low-mist and high-mist modes, and the noise level is less than 35dB. The 1.3 gallon water tank is easy to fill and clean, and the unit has a 50-hour runtime and automatically shuts off when it is out of water or when the water tank has been removed.

Run time

How long a humidifier runs before you need to refill it varies. Companies provide estimates based on the lowest setting. So if you choose a higher setting, the run time will be much shorter. For example, Lasko states that on the low setting, their humidifier lasts for up to 60 hours. However, if you put it on high, you’ll use up to eight ounces of moisture per hour, which means the unit could be out of water in less than eight hours.

Distilled versus tap water

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), using distilled water reduces the formation of white dust around the humidifier and also prevents the growth of scale caused by the minerals in tap water. Distilled water doesn't completely eliminate these issues, but it contains a lower mineral content.

Cartridges and filters

If the humidifier includes demineralization cartridges or filters, using them can also remove minerals (in fact, you may not need to use distilled water, but check the owner's manual to be sure). "Can" is the operative word, since not all of these accessories are created equal. If you see white dust while using the cartridges or filters, it could indicate that they’re not really working.