Danny as been writing about air purifiers for 10+ years. He is a major fan of home technology, which makes him the perfect person to test and evaluate products for HouseFresh
Winter is upon us and it truly ‘tis the season of dry skin, chapped lips, and irritated sinuses. Thanks to the drop in temperature we experience at this time of year, you’ll find any moisture is quickly absorbed into the air (even from our bodies), resulting in some nasty side effects for many of us.
As it gets colder outside, we may also be tempted to ramp up the heating to make ourselves warm and comfortable at home. While this undoubtedly increases the cozy factor, it can also exacerbate the effects of dry air. Increasing the temperature won’t increase humidity, but instead can cause what little moisture there is to evaporate even quicker. Not to mention the damage dry air can cause to your home, as moisture is drawn from wooden structures, window frames, flooring, and even furnishings.
Fortunately, a humidifier can help regulate the moisture levels in your home. By adding water vapor to the air and circulating moisture throughout your space, you will soon notice the benefits of a healthier and happier environment throughout the winter months.
When purchasing a humidifier, it’s important to find a machine up to the task in hand. As each humidifier will be designed to replenish moisture in a certain sized space, be sure to measure your rooms and check if the humidifier is appropriate. For larger rooms, we recommend the Elechomes SH8820, while the Pure Enrichment MistAire offers a budget-friendly option for smaller spaces.
We’ve selected 8 options, across a range of budgets and room size suitability, to help you find the perfect humidifier. By utilizing Consumer Reports and analyzing product reviews through Fakespot, each of our recommended humidifiers comes tried and tested by genuine users who are happy with the performance so you can rest assured low humidity will be the last of your worries this winter.
Last update on 2023-06-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Elechomes SH8820 Humidifier
The Elechome SH8220 Humidifier has an elegant and ultra-modern design in an all-black theme with a blue-backlit digital humidity level indicator and a touchscreen interface.
This humidifier’s top-loading tank accommodates 5.8 quarts of water and delivers up to 20 ounces of cool or warm mist per hour to a room as large as 755 sq. ft. The mist nozzle rotates a full 360 degrees to humidify the living space for up to 55 hours. By humidifying your space during the winter, when the air is dry and cold, you and your family members can prevent an itchy throat (and snoring among those who breathe through their mouth).
The Elechome Humidifier also has a Whisper Sleep Mode that produces a barely perceptible noise of 20 to 32 decibels. One can also switch off the digital display for a sound sleep. Its auto-shutoff feature also means that the unit will shut off when the required humidity is met.
This humidifier is suitable for families with children, especially those with respiratory disorders, skin problems, and other health concerns. It is perfect for pets, too. The essential oil tray also makes it ideal for relaxation and aromatherapy.
- Tank size: 13.9 pints
- Room size suitability: 755 sq. ft.
- Weight: 8.18 pounds
- Special features: Whisper Sleep Mode
What we love
- The aromatherapy option can help younger, more restless children sleep comfortably
- Its cool-mist and warm-mist interchangeability is perfect as the seasons change
- Convenient to refill and does not need frequent refilling
- Ultra-modern user interface for exceptional device control and humidity management
We don't like this as much
- The complex design can make cleaning a little challenging for some people
- A smart connection via an app would be a great feature for adjusting from a distance
2. Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier
The Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier features a powerful motor for a cool-mist to a living space up to 500 sq. ft. It has a 1.6-gallon water tank that humidifies the room for up to six peaceful nights without a refill to ensure everyone gets a restful and comfortable sleep.
While the ultrasonic motor is powerful, it produces less than 30 dB of noise. It comes with an auto-shutoff feature to make operation more convenient. This humidifier also has an essential oil tray at the bottom for people who want a more relaxing siesta or satisfying yoga and meditation.
This humidifier keeps room humidity at the ideal 40 to 60 percent levels without filters. It prevents the humidity level from dipping below 30%, a common occurrence in the winter that can potentially lead to a number of health problems. By using this humidifier, you can ensure a safer and more comfortable living environment with proper humidity levels at all times.
The Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier comes with an ETL certification for reliability and safety and a soft-glow night light for better sleep. Whether for meditation, relaxation, sleep, or work, this humidifier can make any living space more comfortable in the winter.
- Tank size: 15.3 pints
- Room size suitability: 500 sq. ft.
- Weight: 3.1 pounds
- Special features: Whisper Quiet
What we love
- Ideal for bedrooms because of its ultra-quiet operation and cool-mist design
- Sleek and ultra-modern design for complementing the aesthetics of any room
- More straightforward and less frequent refills because of its high-capacity reservoir
- Suitable for people with respiratory problems, skin ailments, and insomnia
We don't like this as much
- We wish it had a humidity level display for easier fine-tuning
- The addition of remote control functionality would help streamline operation
3. Vornado EV200 Evaporative Whole Room Humidifier
For those looking for a highly customizable humidifier, look no further than the Vornado EV200 Evaporative Whole Room Humidifier. This device has a unique two-tank system, sandwiching its humidification component. Each crystal-clear reservoir accommodates ¾ gallons of water for a combined capacity of 1.5 gallons.
The humidifier’s top features a two-button control layout with LED indicators for humidification output or fan speed settings and humidity levels. One can press the button to cycle through each selection for optimum customization. Its humidification is sufficient for a 700 sq. ft. living space for up to 24 hours.
The vortex-like mechanism delivers humidification at a complete 360-degree circle to ensure not just adequate humidification but also dry skin prevention in the winter. As you may already know, a lack of humidity can leave your skin dry and your lips chapped. Running this humidifier with a highly efficient vortex-like mechanism can prevent these symptoms from occurring in the first place.
Three fan speed settings and six humidity levels from 40% to 60% in 5% graduations are also available. It also comes with a 5-year warranty, and the water reservoirs feature built-in grab handles and removable caps for added convenience.
- Tank size: 14.4 pints
- Room size suitability: 700 sq. ft.
- Weight: 6.4 pounds
- Special Features Intelligent humidity and circulation sensor with automatic adjustment
What we love
- Straightforward operation for its intuitive humidity and circulation technologies
- The water reservoirs are easy to refill, clean, and maintain
- Provides natural humidification to any living space for improved comfort
- Excellent controls for optimizing and customizing humidification parameters
We don't like this as much
- We’d like to see a range of other colors available for greater user choice
- Its unique shape can be a little tricky to fill directly in a standard sink
4. LEVOIT Humidifier LV600HH
The LEVOIT Humidifier LV600HH is an elegant-looking device that features a 1.5-gallon transparent reservoir, delivering up to 16.9 ounces of warm mist or 10.1 ounces of cool-mist per hour.
It comes with a remote controller for managing the humidifier’s operational settings, including a four-level humidity mode. Users can activate the auto function to give the humidifier full control in adjusting its parameters based on the current condition of the surroundings. This can ensure a worry-free operation while having a more comfortable winter living environment for a space up to 753 sq. ft.
The humidifier has a near-silent ultrasonic operation and an automatic dimming feature for better sleep. It is perfect for pets, plants, children, and the elderly, especially those with skin and respiratory problems who may also suffer more during the winter. It also safeguards wooden furnishings from drying up.
This product’s humidification lasts for up to 60 hours, delivering consistent and uniform mist throughout the room. Its blue backlit humidity level display creates a calm ambiance and makes controlling room humidity straightforward.
- Tank size: 12.6 pints
- Room size suitability: 753 sq. ft.
- Weight: 5.3 pounds
- Special features: Automatic Humidity
What we love
- Crystal-clear water reservoir makes it a cinch to refill and maintain
- Dual mist options for optimum versatility, safety, and ease of operation
- Efficient and long-lasting humidification for improved health and wellbeing
- Effortless humidification control and management for better relaxation and comfortable sleep
We don't like this as much
- The wide array of features may be a bit overwhelming for those looking for a simplistic design
- A grab or carrying handle would be a bonus for portability
5. URPOWER 1000mL Essential Oil Diffuser Humidifier
The URPOWER Essential Oil Diffuser Humidifier is an ingenious three-in-one product for those looking for a more versatile device. This humidifier can also serve as a 7-color night lamp for a more pleasant sleep environment and can also dispense essential oil-rich mist for meditation and relaxation.
This humidifier can accommodate 33.8 ounces of water and deliver it as a fine mist. The high-mist setting humidifies the room for 10 to 15 hours. Setting the humidifier on low-mist will ensure between 15 to 20 hours of operation.
It also has three timer settings, including three, six, and nine hours. Even if one forgets to set the timer, the humidifier shuts itself off after 12 hours. This device can also humidify a 150-square-foot room, making it ideal for nurseries, dormitory rooms, and office cubicles.
Users can also say goodbye to dry skin, severe respiratory symptoms, skin issues, and other health concerns during winter with this humidifier. The URPOWER 1000mL Humidifier may help relieve allergy symptoms by creating enough humidity in the air, making the environment uninviting to dust mites and allergens. Thus, allergy sufferers in particular can feel more comfortable and prevent allergies due to the irritation of their nasal passages and throat.
- Tank size: 2.1 pints
- Room size suitability: 150 sq. ft.
- Weight: 1.8 pounds
- Special features: Adjustable Mist Mode
What we love
- An effective room humidifier that triples as a cozy night lamp and aromatherapy diffuser
- Space-saving design makes it an excellent bedside table or counter device
- Simple user interface with remote control for effortless device management
- Adjustable timer and mist settings for optimum customization
We don't like this as much
- We’d like to see the addition of a humidity level indicator
- Wi-Fi connectivity would be a welcome bonus
6. Crane Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
People looking for a unique but elegant room humidifier should consider the Crane Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier. This product has an elegant tear-shaped design with a wide, solid, and stable base.
An often overlooked effect of poor indoor humidity in the winter is damaged furniture, with the most vulnerable being wooden furniture. By using this device, you can have peace of mind that the air will be sufficiently humidified to prevent cracking and warping of furniture. With an ideal humidity level, dust will also be better controlled and allergens mitigated, thanks to the humidifier’s tip that features a 360-degree rotating nozzle, delivering moisture in the air of 500 sq. ft. living space.
This humidifier accommodates a gallon of water and automatically dispenses it throughout the room for up to 24 hours. It has an auto-shutoff mechanism to prevent safety issues when there is no more water in the reservoir.
Children and pets will never have issues sleeping due to noise as this humidifier only produces a soft hum. It does not irritate the ears or make it difficult to fall asleep. Cleaning and maintaining this humidifier is also a breeze because of its detachable bottom-fill water tank.
This humidifier is suitable for nurseries, grow boxes, dorm rooms, office cubicles, and other small living spaces.
- Tank size: 9.2 pints
- Room size suitability: 500 sq. ft.
- Weight: 4.5 pounds
- Special features: Variable Speed Settings
What we love
- Easy to operate for its simple user interface
- A wide array of color options available
- Whisper-quiet operation for more comfortable and peaceful sleep
- Ideal as a tabletop décor for its lovely design, improving room aesthetics
We don't like this as much
- Does use up its water reservoir relatively quickly
- Can be a little tricky to clean the inside of the reservoir
7. Pure Enrichment® MistAireTM Humidifier
The Pure Enrichment® MistAireTM Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is a room humidifier with robust features in a compact and elegant design. This room humidifier is perfect for use during winter with its 50.7-ounce water reservoir and a moisture delivery system that runs continuously.
A 250 sq. ft room will have no dry air issues in the winter thanks to this product’s 360-degree rotating nozzle. It covers every square inch of floor space, ensuring healthy, moist air for the occupants. With this feature, dry winter air that can make you prone to illnesses, such as irritated eyes, skin irritation, nosebleeds, bronchitis, sinusitis, and asthma can be prevented.
It also has an optional night light function for a more pleasant sleep, especially for young children. Its Auto-shutoff feature also improves safety when the water dries out in the reservoir. The teardrop-shaped device has an easy-to-remove upper section for effortless cleaning and maintenance.
Users can trust this room humidifier to safeguard the health and wellbeing of their loved ones, especially children and the elderly, who may be more vulnerable during the winter. It also comes backed with a five-year warranty for extra peace of mind.
- Tank size: 3.1 pints
- Room size suitability: 250 sq. ft.
- Weight: 1.35 pounds
- Special features: Night Light and Auto Shutoff
What we love
- Effortless use and maintenance for its simple and thoughtful design
- People will sleep faster and sounder for its noiseless operation
- Great for small living spaces, such as nurseries and children’s bedrooms
- Effective humidity regulation for all-year-long health benefits
We don't like this as much
- We wish it had a top-loading water reservoir for more convenience
- We’d like to see the addition of smart technologies, such as wireless control and digital display
8. LEVOIT Humidifier Classic 300S
Smart families need smart devices for a more convenient and comfortable life. The LEVOIT Humidifier Classic 300S offers such a lifestyle with its voice and app-based control mechanisms. One can install the VeSync app on a mobile device to manage this humidifier’s settings and operation.
It has a 202.8-ounce capacity top-loading water reservoir and ultrasonic humidification technology for delivering moisture to a living space as large as 505 sq. ft. As a smart device, this humidifier automatically monitors relative room humidity levels and adjusts the appliance’s ultrasonic misting.
The ultrasonic humidification technology works by producing high-frequency sound vibrations in order to produce fine water mist and add enough moisture to the air, especially in the winter. It helps prevent winter-related allergies and irritation.
It may also help lower stress levels. According to a 2020 study, excessively dry air may increase one’s stress level and lead to poor sleep. You can prevent this from happening by ensuring adequate humidification through this device’s smart technology.
If the product senses high relative humidity, it automatically shuts off the humidifier to avoid oversaturating the air. Doing so prevents mold and mildew growth.
The humidifier’s built-in control interface is easy to manipulate, complete with a readable high-contrast LCD for more efficient device operation. Its ultrasonic technology does not interfere with one’s sleep, producing only a pleasant hum to let users know the humidifier is working.
- Tank size: 12.6 pints
- Room size suitability: 505 sq. ft.
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
- Special features: Smart Humidity Sensor
What we love
- Smart control features give users better room humidification management
- Very easy to operate and refill because of its top-loading design
- Plug-and-forget technology makes for uber-convenient and hassle-free operation
- The noiseless operation makes for a more comfortable and peaceful sleep
We don't like this as much
- We wish the auto settings could be adjusted directly on the unit and not purely through the app
- Can be a little difficult to reach certain parts for cleaning
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes humidifiers so popular in the winter?
Families use space-heating technologies to keep warm in the winter. Unfortunately, these devices draw moisture from every surface, including the human body. Furnaces and other space-heating appliances make the air dry.
Dry air cannot hold heat as effectively as moist air does, and this makes space-heating appliances work harder than usual. Humidifiers add moisture to the environment and make ambient air warmer. In turn, furnaces and other space heaters work optimally and efficiently.
They can also safeguard people’s health and wellbeing, as they introduce moisture into the cold and dry winter air and slow down aerial, viral transmission. They can also help prevent mold and mildew growth.
What humidifier is best for dry air?
Cool-mist and warm-mist humidifiers are excellent choices for adding moisture to dry air; however, each has pros and cons.
Cool-mist humidifiers are ideal for homes with young children and pets. These devices can also help alleviate cold symptoms, such as nasal congestion and cough. However, more research is necessary to validate these claims.
On the other hand, warm-mist humidifiers are suitable for families who want a warmer and quieter living space during the winter.
Regardless of which humidifier one uses in winter, it is essential to keep it clean. Water minerals, bacteria, and molds can grow and accumulate in the humidifier’s components. The device can also disperse these microorganisms and substances into the air, especially with a cool-mist humidifier.
How do you choose the right humidifier?
Choosing the best humidifiers for winter can be daunting, if not confusing. That is why we picked our top eight choices using a comprehensive Consumer Reports analysis. We analyzed hundreds of user experiences to determine what makes these products tick. We also evaluated each product’s overall design, special features, and ease of use, as well as water capacity, weight, and room suitability.
Whether you prefer a unit that comes packed with smart features, or prefer a unit with a more simplistic approach, there are items on our list to suit a variety of needs. It’s important to take this all into consideration when deciding which unit to get. Would you prefer a larger tank size for more infrequent refilling? Or do you value remote control capabilities more?
If you’re looking for some quick recommendations, we have included our top picks for the best budget humidifier, best humidifier for medium-sized rooms, and the best humidifier for larger rooms below:
- Budget/Smaller Rooms – Pure Enrichment® MistAire™ Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
- Medium Rooms – Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier
- Larger Rooms – Elechomes SH8820 Humidifier