The Best 5 Humidifers in 2023

This is my buying guide on the best humidifiers in 2023. Below is a quick summary of my top recommendations. Scroll further down to read my in depth hands on reviews, for each best humidifiers.

BEST BUDGET

Vicks Mini Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier

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Compact and easy to use
Adjustable mist management feature
Lightweight and easily portable
Night light feature
Oil diffuser feature
It doesn’t produce noise
Automatic shut-off feature
The tank is easy to fill and clean
Instant output
Reliable and efficient

Best Overall

LEVOIT Smart 6-liter humidifier

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Ability to switch between cold and warm mist
Built-in humidistat
It covers a large area of up to 760 sq feet
50-hour runtime
Easy to clean
Large tank
Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa
Good build quality
Wifi-enabled smart features

PREMIUM CHOICE

Venta Airwasher Humidifier LW25

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It acts as both a humidifier and purifier
Generous water tank capacity of 2 gallons
Large coverage area up to 600 square feet
24-hour runtime
It comes with a 10-year warranty
Filter-free and silent
Auto shutdown when the tank runs dry
99% filtration effectiveness
Recommended by doctors
It does not require weekly cleaning

In this personal account, I’m going to guide you through the best humidifiers I discovered in my journey to find the right one.

Living in a dry environment, if you’re not used to it, can increase your chances of dealing with respiratory infections and uncomfortable dryness in your skin, nose, and throat, more than you might initially think.

I found the solution in humidifiers, which work by releasing steam to up the moisture level in your space. Trust me, with one of these, you won’t have to worry about dryness and irritation, even if your home feels like a desert!

During my search, I was particularly impressed by the LEVOIT humidifier. It really stood out as a fantastic all-rounder. Being able to switch between warm and cold mists, equipped with a generously sized tank, and packed with modern features, this humidifier certainly offers a great return on your investment.

That said, the LEVOIT didn’t become my top pick without facing stiff competition. I came across several other humidifiers that were close contenders and offered excellent value for money.

So, stick with me as I dive into the top humidifiers that I found to be the most effective during my search.

LEVOIT Smart 6-liter humidifier

OVERALL BEST

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Let me tell you about my top pick, the LEVOIT Smart Humidifier. It’s not just versatile and powerful, but it’s a gem that shines brightly in my home or office setup. What really sells it for me is its whopping 6-liter water tank, coupled with a design that’s nothing short of beautiful, and a suite of high-tech features that’ll blow your mind.

Now, this humidifier has a trick up its sleeve. It can switch from warm to cold mist at the drop of a hat, giving me the best of both worlds. When the winter cold is biting, I just switch on the warm mist mode. It not only humidifies my room in a jiffy but also keeps it warm, soothing any sore throats in the house. The cold mist mode, on the other hand, is a godsend in summer, keeping my skin perfectly moisturized.

One thing that leaves me in awe is its ability to cover almost 750 square feet. Whether it’s a studio apartment or a spacious living room, the LEVOIT can handle it. And on the low mist setting? The 6-liter tank keeps the show running for a good 50 hours before I need to top it off. Pretty impressive, wouldn’t you agree?

Refilling and cleaning couldn’t be simpler. Thanks to its top fill design, I avoid any messy spills during refills, and cleaning is a breeze. It’s a stark contrast to bottom fill designs that can turn cleaning into a chore.

The cleaning process is as straightforward as it gets. All I have to do is give the tank a good rinse under the tap, and voila, it’s good as new!

There’s a built-in humidistat, always keeping me in the loop about the humidity level in my room. Plus, it’s WiFi-enabled with a host of smart features.

I absolutely love the remote features. Whether I want to switch the humidifier on or off, change the fan speed, or keep tabs on the humidity level, I can do it all even when I’m not at home.

It works like a charm with Alexa and Google Assistant, making it an effortless addition to my home automation system.

Not to forget, the LEVOIT uses a patented hybrid mist technology that humidifies nearly four times faster than conventional cold mist humidifiers. Talk about a quick fix for all my humidity issues!

In a nutshell, the Levoit Smart Humidifier ticks all the right boxes. With its intelligent features and dependable performance, it’s worth every penny!

Pros

Ability to switch between cold and warm mist
Built-in humidistat
It covers a large area of up to 760 sq feet
50-hour runtime
Easy to clean
Large tank
Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa
Good build quality
Wifi-enabled smart features
You need to replace absorption pads occasionally

Cons

No after-sales service
It can be too loud

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Vicks Mini Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier

BEST BUDGET

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You might recognize Vicks as the go-to balm you rub on when you’re under the weather. But did you know they’ve ventured beyond just balms? They’ve created an ultrasonic cool mist humidifier that’s my secret weapon against cough and congestion, promising a night of blissful, undisturbed sleep!

This little gem of a humidifier is compact, doesn’t bother with filters, and is ideally crafted for smaller rooms. Plus, it gives me complete control over the humidity with adjustable mist management.

Despite its lightweight design, don’t be fooled – this humidifier packs a punch. It can soldier on for up to 20 hours and stow away half a gallon of water in its tank. Its portability is a real bonus, too. I can perch it on a shelf or a dresser without it hogging too much space. On nights when congestion gets the better of me, all I need to do is sleep within its vicinity, and I wake up feeling a whole lot better.

One feature that never ceases to impress me is its automatic shut-off when the tank runs dry. Not only does it give the machine a well-deserved break, but it also curbs my electricity bill.

Filling, using, and cleaning the transparent tank couldn’t be easier, thanks to its wide opening. I can spot when a refill is due with a quick glance. And when it’s time, a trip under the sink is all it takes to refill or rinse it.

But the cherry on top has to be the Vicks Humidifier’s ultrasonic technology, which ensures the operation is whisper quiet. The result? The most serene sleep you can dream of. It even comes with a built-in glow nightlight!

Through my own experience, I’ve found that the Vicks Mini Cool Mist Humidifier punches above its weight. It can transform a liter of water into mist within an hour – one of the best outputs among humidifiers!

With its prowess in spaces up to 250 square feet, it’s an ideal fit for bedrooms or nurseries. When I crank it up to the highest misting level, the room’s humidity soars, offering much-needed relief for dry skin and itchy throats.

A special mention for the Vicks VapoPads slot. It’s like having the benefits of VapoRub wafting in the air, similar to a heated plug-in oil diffuser, and all without slathering anything on my skin!

Despite its small size, users (including me) rate it highly for its reliability and efficiency. The fact that I don’t have to keep buying new filters is a real money saver.

In a nutshell, the Vicks Mini is a quiet, easy-to-fill, and clean device with an automatic shut-off, making it a complete package without breaking the bank!

Pros

Compact and easy to use
Adjustable mist management feature
Lightweight and easily portable
Night light feature
Oil diffuser feature
It doesn’t produce noise
Automatic shut-off feature
The tank is easy to fill and clean
Instant output
Reliable and efficient

Cons

No humidity level display
Mist direction is not adjustable

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Venta Airwasher Humidifier

PREMIUM CHOICE

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Meet the Venta Airwasher, the most dependable dual-action device in my arsenal, acting as both a humidifier and purifier. The claim to fame for this unit is its ability to capture particles as tiny as 10 microns while it moistens the air and expels indoor air pollutants.

Yes, it might be pricier than other options, but in my experience, the Venta Airwasher delivers results that eclipse other humidifiers. It comes in a variety of sizes, perfect for different rooms, ranging anywhere from 300 to 600 square feet.

One thing I absolutely adore about my Venta Airwasher is how it maintains the humidity level between 40% and 60%. That means I never have to fret about over-humidifying my room and inadvertently creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

Where many humidifiers falter due to water impurities clogging up the works, my Venta stands tall. I fill it up with everyday tap water, saving me the cost of distilled water and the headache of dealing with clogged pipes.

Boasting a tank capacity of 2 gallons, it saves me from frequent refills. I can set it up for a full night’s sleep and forget about it! What’s more, it’s lightweight, weighing in at about 8.5 pounds, so moving it around is as easy as carrying a newborn.

One of the best features of the Venta Airwasher is its filter-less design. It’s a breeze to clean and maintain. Unlike its competitors that demand weekly cleaning, I simply need to disassemble it and give it a rinse every few weeks.

This humidifier is equipped with three power levels, offering me the flexibility to prevent over-humidification if the weather isn’t too cold or dry. To top it off, it has an automatic shut-off when it runs out of water.

The Venta is a crowd favorite thanks to its whisper-quiet operation and prowess at banishing pollen, dust, odors, and germs from the air. Depending on the humidity, speed, and power level, it can keep running for 24 hours or more.

Sporting around 99% filtration effectiveness, this humidifier outperforms any others I’ve come across. It’s so good that over 10,000 doctors trust Venta to ensure a hygienic environment in their clinics and homes.

The icing on the cake? The Venta Airwasher comes with a 10-year warranty, guaranteeing a lengthy lifespan.

Pros

It acts as both a humidifier and purifier
Generous water tank capacity of 2 gallons
Large coverage area up to 600 square feet
24-hour runtime
It comes with a 10-year warranty
Filter-free and silent
Auto shutdown when the tank runs dry
99% filtration effectiveness
Recommended by doctors
It does not require weekly cleaning

Cons

Expensive
Humidifier and air purifying options cannot work separately
Lacks a built-in humidistat

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Air Innovations Humidifier

BEST LOOKING

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My Air Innovations Humidifier has quickly shot to the top of my favorites list, winning me over not just with its stylish, modern design, but also with its brilliant, user-friendly features.

This device isn’t your average humidifier, it’s an ultrasonic cool mist unit boasting a generous 1.7-gallon water tank. This means I don’t find myself constantly having to refill it.

And talk about low maintenance! It can run uninterrupted for a whopping 96 hours. That’s four days of carefree humidity regulation.

The bells and whistles don’t end there. The Air Innovations Humidifier comes equipped with a programmable built-in humidistat, a handy remote control, and a variety of smart features that have made it a hit in my household!

Its slim design and nozzle extension are perfect for those winter months when I need to keep the humidifying on the down-low. Plus, it comes in a selection of glossy colors that perfectly complement my home’s décor.

The device offers multiple mist settings and is capable of humidifying spaces up to 600 square feet. It’s such a workhorse, it can keep going for 96 hours without needing a refill! Plus, it features a timer that allows for scheduled on and off times, even when I’m not around to command it.

Thanks to its built-in humidistat, I can effortlessly keep tabs on my home’s humidity levels (low, medium, high, supreme, turbo), and use the remote control to adjust settings. Even finer tweaks can be made via the control panel, such as changing the display’s brightness, modifying the beep volume, and even adjusting the fog intensity!

The unit also boasts a permanent ceramic filler, a base, and an antibacterial tank, working together to stave off bacteria growth and maintain a cozy, hygienic environment at home. Should the tank ever run dry, the system alerts me right away!

Adding to the Air Innovations Humidifier’s impressive list of features is an oil-diffusing aromatherapy tray. I love that I can infuse the air with my favorite essential oils while adding some extra moisture. Best of all, it operates in near-silence, so my sleep is never disturbed.

With its striking design and user-friendly features, this versatile system is my go-to for suites and studio apartments. Thanks to its 1.5-inch extension nozzle, it fits effortlessly on a tabletop or the floor.

Pros

Efficient functionality
96-hours of runtime
Built-in humidistat
Remote control included
Large area coverage
Flexible settings
Permanent ceramic filler
Anti-bacterial tank
Easy to use and clean
Quietness
Built-in aromatherapy option

Cons

Complaints about durability
Complaints about inaccurate readings of humidity level

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Vornado Energy Smart Evaporative Humidifier

WORTHY CONSIDERATION

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As someone who’s always looking for ways to minimize my carbon footprint and cut down on electricity bills, I’ve found the Vornado EVDC400 to be just the ticket.

The Vornado isn’t your typical mist humidifier that sends out visible steam – instead, it’s an evaporative humidifier. This unique feature means it operates silently, keeping the humidity levels consistent across my room and giving me total control to avoid over-humidification.

The coverage this little powerhouse provides is impressive, handling spaces up to 750 square feet. Despite its water tank capacity being just 1 gallon, the Vornado’s superior efficiency lets it outperform your run-of-the-mill cool mist humidifiers when it comes to the volume of air it can humidify.

One of my favorite aspects of the Vornado is its innovative SimpleTank system, which makes it an absolute breeze to clean, refill, and install.

The humidistat and touch controls are additional perks, making it easy for me to monitor the fan speed and mode. The low water indicator is a lifesaver, always letting me know when it’s time to refill the tank. What’s more, I’ve found that the auto-humidity regulation on this humidifier surpasses most of the other models I’ve tried out.

Where the EVDC400 really steals the show, though, is its remarkable energy efficiency and support system. It consumes almost 90 percent less electricity than other models I’ve tested.

With its Energy Smart mode, the humidifier can function using a meager 1 watt of electrical power, all while auto-regulating the humidity level. Now that’s what I call efficient!

The device is powered by an Energy Smart DC motor, which comes with a substantial 10-year warranty. And if that doesn’t put your mind at ease, the manufacturers also offer a 5-year satisfaction guarantee!

If I had to pick a flaw, I’d say the Vornado is a tad noisier than the ultrasonic cool mist alternatives. But given its higher efficiency, that’s a minor quirk I’m willing to overlook.

Pros

Highly energy efficient
Large area coverage
Auto humidity feature
5-year satisfaction warranty
Built-in humidistat
Easy to clean
Easy to install and refill
Smart touch controls
Energy Smart DC motor with a 10-year warranty

Cons

Smaller tank
Slightly louder than ultrasonic humidifiers

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Important Considerations when Picking the Best Humidifier

Cold Mist vs. Warm Mist

When I was hunting for the perfect humidifier, I was faced with a significant decision: should I go for a cool mist humidifier or a warm mist one? Both have their perks and downsides, and it was clear that I needed to assess my own needs and those of my family before I made a choice.

Cool mist humidifiers push out a mist that’s cool, almost chilly. This happens through either evaporative technology or ultrasonic technology. Evaporative humidifiers speed up the water evaporation rate using a built-in wick and then release this evaporated water into the room as a fine, cool mist. Ultrasonic ones, in contrast, use vibrations to create a mist.

I found that a cool mist humidifier could help with symptoms like coughing and chest congestion when I was under the weather. Plus, they’re a safer choice when you have children around – it’s generally recommended to use cool mist humidifiers in kids’ spaces.

These humidifiers can cover large areas and add much-needed humidity to the air while using less electricity than warm mist humidifiers. However, they can be a bit louder and may make a chilly room feel even colder, especially during winter. Moreover, they can exacerbate respiratory issues for people with asthma by sending dust, minerals, and microorganisms into the air with the mist.

On the flip side, warm mist humidifiers are often thought of as healthier than their cool counterparts. They use a heating element to boil the water, thereby killing bacteria and mold. Most don’t use a fan, resulting in quiet operation. But, they can heat up a room — great for winter, but not so much during the warmer months. Because they heat water to boiling temperatures, they can be a risk around children or pets, who could get burned if the water spills.

Size

Humidifier size is another critical factor. Each unit is designed for a particular room size, influenced by factors like the tank size and discharge rate. Manufacturers usually mention the intended room size on the packaging or in marketing materials. A larger humidifier might seem like a good idea, but it can over-humidify a small room, leading to high humidity that promotes mold and bacteria growth and makes the room feel stuffy.

Run Time

Run time varies among models — some need refilling after just a few hours, while others can run up to 24 hours. I found it helpful to have a humidifier with an auto shut-off feature, so it doesn’t keep running when the water runs out.

Water Tank Capacity,

The water tank’s capacity can greatly impact your choice, especially based on where and how you plan to use the humidifier. If you’re going to place it somewhere hard to reach, you might want a larger tank, so you don’t have to refill it frequently. On the other hand, if you’re working from home and don’t mind refilling, a large tank might not be necessary.

UV Filtration

UV Filtration was another feature I found essential. It helps keep the system clean, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and infection. These UV lights are similar to those used in hospitals to kill bacteria in the water.

Ease of Cleaning

Even with UV Filtration, regular cleaning is still essential. Some models need cleaning every week, while others can go a few weeks. Humidifiers with bottom-fill water tanks are generally harder to clean than top-fill ones. I found it helpful to get a model that was easy to disassemble and clean thoroughly.

Warranty

Like other appliances, humidifiers can sometimes malfunction unexpectedly. I found it reassuring to choose a humidifier backed by a good warranty (at least one year). I even considered an electronics protection plan from Amazon for a humidifier I’d be using continuously.

When it comes to buying a humidifier, I learned that it’s crucial to focus on your specific needs. It’s easy to get lured by additional fancy features and end up paying extra for functions you won’t use. So, choose wisely!

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