Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation.
A little moisture goes a long way.
Photo:Real Simple
Adding moisture to the air canrelieve dry skinand respiratory issues, especially for people in colder climates.
After testing 56 ultrasonic and evaporative humidifiers for months, we have thoughts.
An ultrasonic is super quiet, and a hybrid is a mix of both.
PHOTO: Target
The size of the room youre humidifying also impacts how powerful a machine youll need.
Portable models can hydrate up to 50 square feetideal for personal spaces like a nightstand or desk.
Mid-size options are built for up to 500 square feet, perfect for bedrooms and nurseries.
As for runtime, thats determined by the tank size and the mist setting you use.
Longer runtime means fewer refills and more consistent moisture throughout the day (or overnight).
Stick around for our top picks that will help you breathe easy this year.
Its fairly noisy on the higher options.
Its effective, versatile, and easy to use.
At home and in the lab, weve been impressed by its strong output.
While we found the sounds soothing, those looking for a quieter operation might prefer a different option.
The water tanks handle made it easy to carry from room to room.
Overall, this devices powerful output, ease of use, and several options make it an excellent choice.
throw in:Ultrasonic |Size:540 sq.
|Water Tank Capacity:5 gal.
You must replace the filter every 30 to 60 days.
It ran for two to three nights before needing a refill.
We found the water reservoir easy to remove and bring to the sink for a refill.
throw in: Evaporative |Size: Not listed |Weight: 9 lbs.
With a built-in carrying handle, the Miko Myst Ultrasonic Humidifier is easy to move between rooms.PHOTO: Real Simple
|Water Tank Capacity: 1 gal.
|Runtime: 24 hrs.
The bulky design may be obtrusive in smaller locations.
Four months later, and its been a great addition to our primary bedroom.
This model was super easy to use, clean, and adjust.
We also appreciate its large water reservoir, which lasted for two or three nights before needing a refill.
If youre seeking a basic, no-frills humidifier, this one is a real steal.
key in: Ultrasonic |Size: 290 sq.
ft. |Weight: 3 lbs.
|Water Tank Capacity: 1 gal.
|Runtime: 25 hrs.
It wont be effective in larger spaces.
Whether youre going on a long vacation or a weekend road trip, we recommend the Canopy Portable Humidifier.
After four months of daily use, it’s still exceeding our expectations.
We now use it daily, and its greatly improved themoisture of our skin.
Weve even let friends borrow it to experience the magicit’s the perfect travel accessory.
We also love that its compatible with essential oils, with the ceramic stone included for aromatherapy.
Plus, the steel filter, water tank, and tank cap are all dishwasher safe.
The water tank visibility.
Since the water line isnt visible, youll have to manually monitor when it needs a refill.
It has three mist tweaks ranging from low to high.
jot down:Hybrid |Size: Travel size |Weight: 0.4 lb.
|Water Tank Capacity: 0.1 gal.
|Runtime: 11 hrs.
you gotta clean it regularly to avoid bacteria buildup.
Looking for a customizable, high-tech humidifier?
The Levoit OasisMist is a must-have.
During testing, we found the humidifier noticeably effective on any setting.
We’ve been using it for six months, and it’s become a staple in our nighttime routine.
Plus, it’s possible for you to sync it with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
The Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier’s water reservoir is easy to remove.PHOTO: Real Simple
When we first turned it on, we had to sit about 2 feet away to feel the moisture.
you’ve got the option to also add essential oils.
Cleaning was relatively straightforward, and the removable tank with a handle made refilling easy and mess free.
jot down: Ultrasonic |Size: 430 sq.
ft. |Weight: 5 lbs.
|Water Tank Capacity: 1 gal.
|Runtime: 45 hrs.
It requires four hours of charging for an eight-hour runtime.
It also operates quietly, even on higher controls, producing only a faint hum.
Six months later, and we still have no complaints.
Overall, we found this humidifier to be very low maintenance.
Since it works best with tap water, you’ve got the option to refill it almost anywhere.
Despite its small size, this humidifier has a surprisingly long runtimeabout eight hours on the continuous setting.
key in: Ultrasonic |Size: Travel size |Weight: 1 lb.
|Water Tank Capacity: 0.03 gal.
|Runtime: 8 hrs.
Once we turned the humidifiers off, we checked the surrounding area for any puddling or leaking.
After each use, we emptied and cleaned the tank, evaluating how easy it was to clean.
Finally, we rated the overall value of each humidifier based on whether its performance justified the price.
They operate more quietly than evaporative humidifiers and dont use a filter.
Generally, larger rooms will require a humidifier with a bigger tank.
Noise levels often correlate with settingsthe higher the setting, the louder the noise.
Its also worth noting that inconsistent sounds, like dripping sounds or intermittent misting, can be more noticeable.
Continuous tweaks, on the other hand, often become white noise thats less noticeable.
The Levoit Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier has an impressive runtime, thanks to its large capacity.PHOTO: Real Simple
Generally, a noise level of 30 to 40 decibels provides a low, unobtrusive hum.
Generally, you clean your humidifier weekly and change the water regularly to discourage mold and bacteria.
You may need to do these more or less often, depending on the frequency of use.
Some humidifiers have a sanitization function to assist with this.
If youre storing your humidifier or using it infrequently, confirm youempty and clean itbefore storing it.
Humidistat
Some humidifiers come with a built-in humidistat that detects and monitors a rooms humidity levels.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30% and 50%.
She has spent over 20 years writing for publications likeYahoo,Shape,Health, andForbes.
To fill the Canopy Portable Humidifer’s water tank, you need to turn the top piece upside down.PHOTO: Real Simple
You can control the Levoit OasisMist 450S Smart Humidifier using a smartphone app.PHOTO: Real Simple
The Hey Dewy Wireless Facial Humidifier can fit in cupholders, making it extra portable.PHOTO: Real Simple
Most models on our list have top-fill designs—just remove the lid and pour in the water.Real Simple
Simple models, like the Levoit Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier, adjust with a simple knob turn.Real Simple
As you increase the setting, humidifiers tend to become louder.Real Simple
