Many of us use our homes for work or study, so it’s crucial that we can feel comfortable and relaxed, too. But an overly-dry environment can make this difficult if it’s giving you headaches, causing sinus congestion, or irritating your nose. This is especially true in the winter as the air drys this can lead to sleep problems as the air drys out both the nose and throat when you are asleep.
A great way to combat this is through a humidifier, it will add additional water to the air and keep humidity at a beneficial level. Keeping humidity not too dry and not too humid is also key in the battle over viruses and bacteria, in the Washington Post a team from Harvard University makes the case of the importance of this for viruses like Covid19. If you have a dry air home then you should buy a humidifier and at the very least use it at night during the winter nights to avoid sore throats and nasal problems.
Like many homeowners, you may want to bring scent into the home but are worried about the health problems linked with air fresheners. Essential oils can get a bit of bad press but they are a great way to add scent to a home without resorting to artificial air fresheners.
Humidifier diffusers are a combination of a humidifier with the ability to diffuse essential oils in one unit.
Humidifiers work by releasing water vapor or steam into your environment. When the diffuser element is added, it’ll use either a cool or warm-mist to disperse essential oils throughout your room. A word of caution though: pets, especially cats, can be sensitive to some oils so be sure to keep this in mind.
It’s worth thinking about the size of your room together with your budget. If you have a compact space to fill, we recommend the URPOWER 1000ml Essential Oil Diffuser Humidifiers. With an adjustable mist mode, this model covers up to 150 square feet. But if your room is larger, then the LEVOIT Humidifiers LV600HH is an ideal choice. It covers 753 square feet and is perfect for bedrooms and offices as it produces little noise.
As part of our search for the best humidifier diffusers, we used data from Consumer Reports (USA) and Which (US) as well as reviewing any publicly available analysis and supporting manufacturing data before discounting those products that have engaged in fake reviews.
These are our HouseFresh recommended humidifier diffusers of 2022:
Last update on 2023-04-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. LEVOIT Humidifiers LV600HH
If you are looking for a warm and cool-mist humidifier that creates a soothing atmosphere in your living spaces, then this LEVOIT hybrid ultrasonic humidifier is a great choice. It is also the perfect solution for individuals who often suffer from flu or colds since the warm, soothing mist significantly helps them get relief from airborne pollutants in indoor spaces.
This humidifier has a 6L (1.5 gallons) water tank and three mist levels that allow it to run for up to 36 hours without the need to refill. One unique aspect of this model is that you can choose between both cool and warm-mist, depending on your preference. It has an essential oil diffuser and remote control to operate the humidifier at a distance.
With this unit, you are sure to have a sound sleep, as this humidifier alleviates congestion by keeping your nasal passages and throat hydrated. The cool mist function helps reduce static electricity in your house and moisturizes your skin.
- Tank size: 12.6 pints
- Room size suitability: 753 sq. ft
- Weight: 5.3 pounds
- Special features: Advanced warm-mist technology
What we love
- It has an auto shut-off mode when the tank is out of water
- Produces less noise making it ideal for baby rooms, offices, and bedrooms
- Features a large water capacity that runs for a long time without refilling
We don't like this as much
- The hybrid design of this model makes it difficult to clean
2. Hupro Premium Humidifier
This humidifier from Hupro features both warm and cool-mist functionality with triple purification and smart humidification. It is designed with a 5L water tank suitable for rooms up to 500 square feet. The water tank is detachable with a wide opening and secure built-in handle for easy cleaning and top filling. It lasts up to 30 hours of running between refills.
This humidifier has a smart humidification system that incorporates three types of humidity controls, including the auto mode, constant humidity, and five-speed levels. It also features an advanced speed slider and touch button controls. The lamp prevents odor in the water by keeping it fresh. Water passes through mineral pellets and active carbon of the ceramic filter.
The unit is ultra-quiet and has the sleep mode function that deactivates all the sounds and light to enhance better sleep for babies, seniors, sensitive sleepers, and kids. You can program this humidifier to save energy using the 12 hour time. The auto power off when the water runs out facilitates safety and prevents the unit from damage.
- Tank size: 10.5 pints
- Room size suitability: 500 sq. ft
- Weight: 8.16 pounds
- Special features: Lamp, ceramic filter, and aroma box
What we love
- It comes with a timer for user control
- The auto mode makes it easy to use and maintain
- Adjustable mist output speed allows you to set the unit to spread the preferred mist levels
We don't like this as much
- The addition of replaceable filters would help to prolong the life of the unit
3. Everlasting 6L Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier
This six-liter filterless humidifier is designed for spaces up to 500 square feet and emits a fantastic amount of mist while operating silently. It works best for homes, dorms, and offices lasting for up to 50 hours. Apart from the 1.6-gallon tank, it also has an essential oil tray for circulating fragrant oils into the released mist resulting in a fresh and pure aroma throughout your home.
This unit is compact, easy to use, and shuts off automatically when the water runs out. One unique aspect about this Everlasting comfort humidifier is that it doesn’t have a filter. This significantly saves you from filter replacement associated costs.
It’s a great choice for bedrooms and baby rooms, and to avoid water accumulation, ensure that you keep the humidity between 40%-60%. The Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier is very efficient and the moisture levels can be adjusted together with the direction of flow of the moisture released.
- Tank size: 12.2 pints
- Room size suitability: 500 sq. ft
- Weight: 3.1 pounds
- Special features: Whisper quiet
What we love
- This model operates quietly thus, it can be placed in bedrooms or baby rooms
- It has a large tank
- Long runtime means less frequent refilling
We don't like this as much
- If it was fitted with a handle it would aid portability
4. URPOWER 1000ml Essential Oil Diffuser Humidifier
The URPOWER diffuser works exceptionally when it comes to spreading a cool-mist along with essential oils to help soothe your chapped lips, skin, and dry sinuses. This unit is user-friendly with adjustable mist modes – high and low mist modes. The diffuser will typically run up to 20 hours in low mist mode and a maximum of 15 hours in high mist mode.
You can remotely control this humidifier with its wireless remote controller that has a 5-meter reading range. It allows you to turn on/off the mist and lights when the unit is away. The 1000ml large water tank allows this humidifier to run for a day without the need to add more water.
Additionally, this humidifier has the auto shut-off function when the water runs out while you’re sleeping or outdoors. The device has a color-changing night light, with seven bright colors to choose from. Depending on your preference, you can set it at bright or dim.
- Tank size: 2.1 pints
- Room size suitability: 150 sq. ft
- Weight: 1.8 pounds
- Special features: Adjustable mist mode
What we love
- This unit comes with an auto shut on/off function
- It has a variety of colorful led lights enhancing its attractive design
- It has a remote control function allowing you to operate it at a distance
We don't like this as much
- We’d love the tank opening to be broader for easy cleaning and refilling
5. Exqline Aroma Diffuser Humidifier
Large models are ideal when you want to add more scented oil and moisture to the air you breathe in a larger room. This model has a large tank capacity of 1.5 liters and can run for up to 20 hours. It’s easy to use since you just need to inject water and add drops of your favorite essential oils to the reservoir.
The Exqline is a tall white unit with a switchable light mode. The light options vary from dim to bright, enabling you to enjoy cozy atmospheres in your soft-lit rooms. You can control the humidity levels since it has a 270 degrees rotating knob to set the moisture levels.
Generally, the humidity is released through the side of the lid on top, ensuring oriented diffusion. The unit is whisper-quiet, meaning you can have it in your bedroom and baby room and enjoy a sound sleep. If you’re looking for a large humidifier-diffuser to fill your room with fabulous aroma overnight, then this will be a good choice.
- Tank size: 3.1 pints
- Room size suitability: 450 sq. ft
- Weight: 2.1 pounds
- Special features: Adjustable vapor and whisper-quiet operation
What we love
- This model has variable cool-mist output allowing you to switch to your preferred levels
- Its quiet operation minimizes noise disturbances to enhance sound sleep at night
- Its auto shut on/off function streamlines its operation and goes off when the water runs out
We don't like this as much
- The addition of a timer feature would help to increase user control
6. Frida Humidifier Diffuser
The Frida Baby uses ultrasonic vibrations to turn the water in the tank into a cool and hydrating mist. It has a 0.5-gallon water tank that runs up to 12 hours, covering a space of up to 320 square feet. For easier breathing, you are recommended to add BreathFrida vapor drops or any other aromatherapy essential oil.
The Frida 3 in 1 Humidifier is a multitasking baby soother that helps babies to easily breathe while sleeping. When the baby is congested, the ultrasonic humidity will be beneficial in soothing their sinuses. Between the color-changing night light, relaxing aromatherapy, and cool-mist, this unit excels at ensuring a comfortable atmosphere for sleep and relaxation.
This unit has a mist adjuster knob that goes from gentle mist to tropical rainforest. The color-changing night lights are perfect for creating a dreaming ambient. Additionally, this humidifier has an auto-stop function that enables it to automatically go off when the tank is detached or out of water. The 3 in 1 operation aspect allows you to use the humidifier night light and diffuser individually or all together.
- Tank size: 4.8 pints
- Room size suitability: 320 sq. ft
- Weight: 0.01 ounces
- Special features: color-changing nightlight
What we love
- It's very easy to use and maintain with simple adjustment controls
- It comes with night lights that create an attractive environment
- 360-degree ultrasonic cool mist output spreading moisture all over your room
We don't like this as much
- A wider reservoir opening will enhance cleaning and ensure it dries completely
7. GENIANI Top Fill Cool Mist Humidifier
This 2 in 1 model allows you to enjoy a cool-mist in your house with your favorite essential oils. It’s easy to refill, exceptionally quiet, and perfect for homes with house plants. Its top-refill and leak-proof design makes it one of the best on the market and it comes with a smart mode that allows you to automatically maintain healthy humidity levels with the smart sensor.
Cleaning and refilling have never been easier! You just need to remove the lid and effectively wipe the tank interior with a wet cloth when empty. Its quietness enhances better sleep making it a perfect choice for bedrooms. The moisturizing speeds can be manually adjusted from low, medium, and high settings, depending on your preferences.
Its 1.05 gallons (4L) water tank can last up to 18 hours, covering up a space of 220 square feet. GENIANI Top Fill can alleviate allergy and sinus symptoms, and aromatherapy helps you feel relaxed and stress-free. Live a healthier life with this classic humidifier diffuser.
- Tank size: 8.4 pints
- Room size suitability: 220 sq. ft
- Weight: 4.2 pounds
- Special features: Smart mode; maintains a healthy humidity level automatically with a built-in sensor
What we love
- It's very easy to clean and set up this model
- The model is lightweight and comes in a sleek and compact design
- It comes with an intelligent sensor to control humidity levels
We don't like this as much
- We wish the unit had an extended nozzle to help better distribute mist
8. LEVOIT Classic 200
If you are looking to alleviate congestion, allergies, headaches, dry skin, and sinus issues, then the LEVOIT Classic 200 Humidifier is a great choice. It provides comfortable and fast relief from the adverse effects of dry air. The unit has a 4L water tank that runs up to 40 hours. The Classic 200 Humidifier automatically goes off before the tank runs out of water. After refilling, turn it on and enjoy healthy humidity all day long and night.
It has a unique handle that is designed to move the unit from one room to another easily. Additionally, the mist direction can be adjusted with the 360-degree rotating nozzle in your preferred mist level, just with one simple touch control. This unit allows you to create your preferred indoor climate in your bedroom, family room, nursery, or office without getting the furniture wet.
It combines aromatherapy and humidification thus, providing a comfortable and stress-free indoor atmosphere. Also, this model comes with three mist settings allowing you to manually adjust the humidification speed depending on your desired moisture levels.
- Tank size: 8.4 pints
- Room size suitability: 376 sq. ft
- Weight: 4.77 pounds
- Special features: Customized mist settings
What we love
- It has three operating levels; low, medium, and high speeds
- Completely silent during operation and excels in noise-free environments
- Intuitive operation with simple touch controls
We don't like this as much
- The addition of a timer feature would be a bonus
9. Everlasting 4L Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier
If dry air has made your home uncomfortable, then this Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier is the ideal unit to say goodbye to nasal irritation, scratchy throats, and dry skin. This humidifier has a 4L water tank that can cover up to 300 square feet and last up to 40 hours. The unit is filterless and saves you money, unlike other units that may have expensive replacement filters.
To avoid water accumulation, try to keep the humidity levels between 40%-60%. This model runs quietly and automatically shuts off when out of water. Since it is whisper quiet and safe to use, it is ideal for bedrooms and baby rooms. For better smelling air, this humidifier has an essential oil tray to circulate fragrant oils into the cool mist, resulting in a pure and fresh smelling aroma.
These humidifiers are built for bedrooms, living spaces, offices, and nurseries to create healthy and comfortable environments. The essential oils enhance better sleep throughout the night, ensuring maximum relaxation. It is important not to put the oils directly into the tank as it can damage the humidifier.
- Tank size: 9.6 pints
- Room size suitability: 300 sq. ft
- Weight: 2.23 pounds
- Special features: Silent and safe technology
What we love
- It is whisper-quiet and can be efficiently used in your bedroom
- Features the auto shut-off function when the water runs out
- It has a simple and compact design and doesn't take up too much space
We don't like this as much
- We'd love to see a filter added to help reduce build-up inside the tank
Frequently Asked Questions
Why aren’t all humidifiers diffusers?
Humidifiers add moisture to your indoor spaces, while diffusers usually spread essential oils in the rooms. Depending on your needs, you will choose the machine that best suits those needs. However, at some point, you may want both! The combination of extra humidity with your favorite scents combines the best of both worlds.
This is where a humidifier diffuser comes in; moisturizing your air while freshening it with your favorite essential oils. Some humidifiers have a tray to add the essential oils, while others allow you to add your oils directly into the water.
What are the benefits of having a humidifier/diffuser combo?
Humidity is critical to every home’s atmosphere, especially in dry climate areas. When the air you breathe gets drier, a humidifier puts the moisture back into all the air in that space. This helps reduce nasal stuffiness, snoring, and nosebleeds. Added humidity can also viruses and bacteria in the air, translating to reduced illnesses in your home. Essential oils, in turn, are used not only to freshen up the air but also to create a relaxing atmosphere. Many people usually use chamomile and lavender oils for relaxation in their homes. Thus, it’s a perfect idea to have a diffuser humidifier to get the ideal solution for your relaxation and moisturizing needs.
Are there any risks of using a diffuser humidifier?
Diffuser humidifiers tend to be good when it comes to moisturizing your air and spreading essential oils in rooms. However, you need to reconsider the choice of your essential oils if you have pets in your home.
For instance, cats are usually very sensitive to multiple essential oils. These oils tend to negatively affect them in various ways, including liver damage, depression, and gastrointestinal problems. They can simply develop aspiration pneumonia by just inhaling essential oils in your living room. So, it is recommended to use your diffuser humidifier in a room where your pets don’t usually have access.
Which humidifier is best for you?
Humidity usually plays a key role in our personal comfort and the environment we live in. The top-rated humidifiers are designed to combat irritating dry air and keep your sinuses and skin happy. When the humidity levels get to lower levels than normal, the room occupants tend to experience other conditions such as cracked lips and dry eyes. These problems can be avoided by running a humidifier in your home to make it more comfortable.
Humidifiers raise humidity by releasing water vapor or steam into the air. There are a variety of humidifiers available, but the best diffuser humidifiers have recently gained popularity. A cold mist is combined with aromatherapy utilizing your favorite essential oils in their sprays.
Depending on the size of your room, you will need to get a model that best suits your space or, depending on your preference, for either cool or warm-mist or both. An ideal humidifier creates a well-balanced humid environment for your family. The unit you choose is ultimately up to you, but generally, cool-mist humidifiers are the safest options, especially if you have pets and children around.
- Budget/smaller rooms – Exqline Aroma Essential Oil Humidifier
- Mid-range rooms – Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier
- Larger rooms – Hupro Premium Humidifier