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
When there’s too much moisture and humidity in your home, you’ll probably notice patches of unsightly mold and mildew on the walls and furniture. You may even suffer from health issues, like coughing, sneezing, and other allergy-related conditions.
Buying a dehumidifier is an effective way to combat these problems but many of the units can be on the bulky side. If you want to place it in a small area like a laundry room or bathroom, then it’s wise to find a model that’s compact and doesn’t take up too much space. Luckily, we’re here to help you find the right small unit for your needs.
When you’re searching for the right dehumidifier, it’s a good idea to keep in mind your budget as well as room size. The SEAVON Electric Dehumidifier is a great modest buy and covers up to 215 square feet. But if you’re looking for a more high-end model, the Tenergy Sorbi Dehumidifier is ideal and encompasses up to 200 square feet.
When picking out our top choices we looked at weight and tank size alongside special features such as:
- Auto shut-off function
- Smart LED light
- True HEPA filter
To ensure we found the best small dehumidifiers, we used consumer reports analysis to remove any false reviews. This meant that all our recommendations came from genuine people like you who have used these units.
Last update on 2023-06-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Letsport Dehumidifier
The Letsport Dehumidifier is an effective unit designed for the modern home. This energy-efficient unit is designed to operate for hours while consuming less energy in the long run. It is suitable for use in numerous smaller rooms such as the bathroom, bedrooms, and even RVs and campers. This is fitting for those who have several areas that are high in humidity as you can move it around throughout the day.
With its thermo-electric Peltier Technology, the unit produces less noise compared to some larger dehumidifiers. This can be a worthwhile feature, whether you use it at night and don’t wish to disturb anyone sleeping, or you are using it throughout the day and simply don’t want it to drown out what you are doing.
This unit excels at being user-friendly. It features one-button control, allowing you to start it up and turn it off manually. This straightforward manner is helpful if you don’t need any of the bells and whistles from more technology-inclined units. You don’t even have to watch it to see when it’s full either as it has an auto-off function that will stop it from running once the tank reaches its capacity.
- Tank Size: 4.2 pints
- Room Size Suitability: 480 sq. ft
- Weight: 4.5 pounds
- Special Features: One-button control
What we love
- You can view the tank through both the front and the back to check water levels
- Features LED indicators to show when it's on and when the tank is full
- Able to pull in moisture from both the back and the sides
- The lid to the tank comes off for easier emptying and cleaning
We don't like this as much
- We wish you didn’t have to remove the lid to pour out water from the tank
- You need to slide the tank back in slowly so that it clicks in properly
2. VIVOSUN Small Space Mini Dehumidifier
The VIVOSUN Mini Dehumidifier can be the small-space solution for many people to cut down on excessive moisture in the air. With an energy-efficient design, the unit works not only to reduce humidity levels but also to refresh the air, whether you are using it in a storage room, a closet, or even a pantry. It functions with higher efficiency thanks to it lacking a compressor.
Although this unit does have a 24-hour continuous cycle, it does have an auto shut-off function once the water tank reaches its capacity. This saves the unit from ever overflowing, freeing you up to turn it on and leave without worry.
Thanks to its short design, the unit is able to be tucked away at lower levels such as on the floor if needed without it getting in the way of anything else. On the back, you get a clear view of the water level in case you want to keep an eye out on how fast the dehumidifier is working or how much or little humidity is in a specific room.
- Tank Size: 2.7 pints
- Room Size Suitability: 269 sq. ft
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
- Special Features: Auto-off
What we love
- There's an integrated handle on the back for easier carrying
- The water tank slides out smoothly
- It does have a modern design
- The power cord is long enough to reach the outlet without the unit being close by
We don't like this as much
- As the back of the unit protrudes, it's best to place it away from the wall
- The LED status light stays on all the time
3. Pure Enrichment® PureDry™ Mini Dehumidifier
The PureDry™ Mini Dehumidifier is designed to handle moderate humidity issues in smaller environments such as a bathroom, a home office, a bedroom, and more. As it is made to be portable and only weighs 2lbs, you can freely transport it all around your home to handle different rooms as needed. It has a sleek, compact build too so that there’s no concern with it interfering with any other décor or items you have nearby.
Additionally, the design ensures that you can check on the water levels in the tank whether you view it from the front or back. The front features a simple, long see-through window while the rest of the tank is visible on the back of the unit. This water tank slides out so that you can empty and clean it out whenever it’s full.
The unit features a single air outlet/inlet, sending out fresher, moisture-free air from the top. Turning it on is as simple as plugging it in and pressing one button. This fantastic unit is exceptionally straightforward to use and is ready to tackle your immediate humidity issues without you having to fuss around with the dehumidifier.
- Tank Size: 1.6 pints
- Room Size Suitability: 110 sq. ft
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Special Features: One-button operation
What we love
- The built-in sensor automatically cuts the unit off when the water tank is removed
- It comes with a comfortable 5-year warranty
- The water tank comes out and reinserts easily and smoothly
- It operates at a comfortable noise level
We don't like this as much
- Only has a single air inlet
- Could benefit from a handle for simpler carrying
4. Pro Breeze Electric Dehumidifier
The Pro Breeze Electric Dehumidifier packs a lot of punch in a small package. Being so light in weight, the unit is easy to pick up and move around as needed. It’s compact too so that when you set it up, it won’t get in the way of anything else you have around. A wonderful solution for those with a minimalistic layout.
While it is functioning, you can easily see the water rising in the see-through tank from the front of the unit. This dehumidifier features Peltier technology, a type of thermoelectric cooling. This technology helps the unit make far less noise so that it is hardly noticeable, freeing you up to run it even if people are sleeping in the room.
When the bucket fills up, a bright LED will pop on indicating the tank is full in case you aren’t checking. Also, the dehumidifier will completely shut off so that there is no risk of any overflow, this way, you can put the unit out of your mind when you turn it on.
- Tank Size: 1 pint
- Room Size Suitability: 215 sq. ft
- Weight: 2.23 pounds
- Special Features: Auto-off function | whisper-quiet technology
What we love
- Filters out musky or stale odors
- Handles condensation on windows
- Quickly and quietly cycles the air in smaller rooms
- Features a lengthy power cord so that the unit doesn't have to sit close to the wall
We don't like this as much
- It can take some time for the water to drain from the small drain plug
- The tank lid doesn't come off for cleaning
5. Hysure Portable Dehumidifier
The Hysure Portable Dehumidifier is an innovative, compact dehumidifier designed to remove an estimated 15oz of water in a small room on a daily basis. Around the same size as a common alarm clock, it can sit on a nightstand, dresser, or table with ease. It wouldn’t look out of place in the office or in your garage and won’t get in the way of anything else you’re doing.
The unit operates with barely any noise. It’s stated to produce around 35dB of sound, which is only just louder than the sounds found in a typical library. This way, you can run this all night without causing a disturbance to anyone sleeping. It doesn’t consume much energy either so that it is more eco-friendly, keeping your energy bill low.
If you’re looking for a dehumidifier with a sleek appearance, the Hysure Portable Dehumidifier fits the bill perfectly. Available in either black or white, the unit has a modern look that allows it to blend well into the background. There’s minimal oversight needed with the dehumidifier as it will automatically shut itself off once the reservoir tank fills up to capacity.
- Tank Size: 1.4 pints
- Room Size Suitability: 49 sq. ft
- Weight: 2.71 pounds
- Special Features: Auto shut-off
What we love
- Features a gentle LED indicator
- The unit produces minimal amounts of heat
- It's easy to pull out the rubber stopper to empty the water
- Performs well at helping to dry out flooring
We don't like this as much
- This unit is most efficient when the temperature of the room is high
- The power cord is on the shorter side, so the unit needs to be close to an outlet
6. Tomersun Mini Dehumidifier
The Tomersun Mini Dehumidifier effectively utilizes upgraded Peltier Technology that helps it consume less power while also giving it more strength to perform at its best. Since this use of this tech means that the unit runs without a compressor, it doesn’t produce as much noise. So, the unit can be beneficial to run while people in the household are sleeping, especially around children and babies.
As a portable dehumidifier, this unit is a comfortable size meaning you don’t have to struggle to move it from place to place or even to set it aside for storage purposes when it isn’t in use. It has smart LED lighting that will indicate two different colors to show when it is working and when the water tank has reached its capacity.
Besides that, you just press the large power button to get it up and running, there are no other controls. It will shut itself off once it reaches the water capacity so that you don’t have to concern yourself with any overflow. Once at capacity, simply lift the main portion of the unit off to reveal the water tank underneath for easy emptying.
- Tank Size: 2.1 pints
- Room Size Suitability: 280 sq. ft
- Weight: 2.82 pounds
- Special Features: Smart LED light
What we love
- Easy setup process with a straightforward manual
- The unit emits a beeping noise once the tank is full
- Works efficiently and quietly as it starts collecting water
- Can work as a nightlight as you can choose the LED colors
We don't like this as much
- Initially, the stopper on the water tank can be a little tight, needing time to break-in
- The tank doesn't latch or lock onto the unit, so take care it doesn't tip over
7. Levoair Small Dehumidifier
The Levoair Small Dehumidifier is a fantastic unit for use inside small rooms or inside of an RV. It has a narrow design that allows for easier setup, keeping it out of the way. As it features air inlets on the front and back with an air outlet on the top, that can give you a bit more freedom in how close you can place it to the wall.
This unit is designed with an upgraded semiconductor refrigeration dehumidification system, a feature that helps make this dehumidifier more efficient at drying out the air. With that said, it’s also built so that it doesn’t consume much energy no matter how hard it’s working. It has a built-in power supply that makes it far safer to leave operating for extended lengths of time without overheating.
The dehumidifier is simple enough to move around, as the water tank seals so there’s no risk of spillage. It also features an automatic shut-off feature that will turn the unit off when the water tank is full. With its whisper-quiet technology, it performs without producing much noise, a desirable effect if you want to run it when you’re sleeping.
- Tank Size: 4.2 pints
- Room Size Suitability: 330 sq. ft
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Special Features: Built-in power supply
What we love
- Features a drain attachment so it can run continuously without manual emptying
- It's built with a lift-up handle for better mobility
- As it takes up little space, it works well as a countertop unit for a kitchen
- You have a clear view of the water tank from all sides
We don't like this as much
- We’d like to see this unit have remote control functionality for easier operation from a distance
- The drainage tube is a little on the shorter side, however the portability of this unit helps offset this
8. Tenergy Sorbi Air Dehumidifier
The Tenergy Sorbi Air Dehumidifier acts as a 2-in-1 unit. For starters, it dehumidifies the air at a consistent rate in a smaller room. The collected water falls into the removable water tank. As for the second feature, the unit also works to purify the air. It features true HEPA filtration that allows the unit to capture around 99.97% of airborne particles such as pollen, dust, and other allergens. This way, you work to improve the air quality in a room while removing moisture.
You’ll also find that this unit arrives with built-in Peltier technology, making the dehumidifier operate more quietly and efficiently. All in all, the dehumidifier is useful for almost any room throughout the home but performs at its best in smaller settings like a closet, kitchen, or bathroom. Also, it only weighs 7lbs, meaning it’s easy enough to carry around from place to place.
- Tank Size: 2.1 pints
- Room Size Suitability: 200 sq. ft
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Special Features: True HEPA filter
What we love
- It's easy to slide out the HEPA filter to replace it
- Effective auto shut-off mechanism
- Works to reduce the amount of noticeable surface dirt and dust in the room
- It doesn't heat up the air no matter how long you run it
We don't like this as much
- The buttons could benefit from being more intuitive
- On the high fan speed, the unit may emit noticeable noise
9. SEAVON Electric Dehumidifier
The SEAVON Electric Dehumidifier is fitting for people who need something so simple and compact that it can be left on a nightstand without worry. This machine is designed to emit as little noise as possible, making it worthwhile to use in a bedroom at night without disturbing anyone. It can even work in a child’s room or a nursery, being easy to set it up out of the way where kids can not reach it.
You can check out how the dehumidifier is working by viewing the see-through tank on the front of the unit. This way, you can keep track of the unit at a passing glance without having to pull the reservoir out. All you have to do to start the dehumidifier is press a simple button and the unit will get to work.
This dehumidifier features air outlets on the sides, the front, and the top. With this type of layout, the unit can pull in the humid air at multiple angles, taking more in within a shorter period of time so that you quickly begin to feel the results.
- Tank Size: 1 pint
- Room Size Suitability: 215 sq. ft
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
- Special Features: Washable air outlets
What we love
- The unit features a quiet fan
- Able to remove the air outlets for cleaning
- Compact enough so that you can pack it for traveling
- Can quickly get mold and mildew under control
We don't like this as much
- You have to hold the tank at a certain angle to ensure all the water pours out
- The front vent requires cleaning as dust can build up over time
10. SEAVON Dehumidifier
The SEAVON Dehumidifier is a modern marvel that helps you dehumidify a room with a unit that doesn’t take up much space. It is designed to be short and slim, allowing you to place it on the floor in a storage area or inside pantry if needed, as well as being perfect for use in the bathroom or small bedrooms. It has an adequate capacity to hold more water before needing to be emptied out.
Besides its sleek build, another factor that makes this a great contemporary choice is that it features LED lighting. There are seven changing lights, and you can select one to stay on to create a certain atmosphere in the room. This can be a fun choice for use as a nightlight, especially if you set up the dehumidifier in a child’s room.
With this space-saving dehumidifier, you can choose from two different modes. There is low-speed operation and high-speed operation. At low speed, it emits minimal noise. The higher speed mode is designed to speed up the dehumidifying process. You can freely cycle between the two to adapt the unit to optimally perform based on the current air quality in the room.
- Tank Size: 2.1 pints
- Room Size Suitability: 280 sq. ft
- Weight: 6.3 pounds
- Special Features: 2 modes of operation
What we love
- There's an option to switch the built-in light off
- Easy to remove the dust-proof filter for cleaning
- Auto shut-off so there's no overflow
- Simple to remove and empty the tank
We don't like this as much
- The device resets when removing the tank, requiring you to readjust the settings
- The buttons make a loud beeping noise when pressed
FAQs About Small Dehumidifiers
Should you open windows when using a dehumidifier?
When you open a window, you’re letting in moisture from outside. So opening any window in an area where a dehumidifier is running will force the unit to work harder as you’re constantly allowing more moisture to fill up the air in the room.
If you want your dehumidifier to perform at its best, especially if you’re using a smaller dehumidifier, then there’s no need to overwork it and counteract everything it’s doing. Be sure to close all the windows so that the dehumidifier can dry out the air completely.
Is it okay to leave a dehumidifier on all night?
How long you leave a dehumidifier on depends on the specific unit. You don’t exactly want it going all night as there is a high chance it will make the air too dry. Overly dry air can cause health problems just as much as air that’s filled with too much moisture.
If you require it to run for a long time, consider finding a dehumidifier with a timer function as it will run for a set number of hours before automatically shutting off. If the unit doesn’t have a built-in timer function, then you can use one separately, such as setting an alarm on your phone as a reminder.
Do dehumidifiers use a lot of energy?
How much energy a dehumidifier consumes is largely based on the individual unit. More often than not, energy consumption is listed on the product so that you know what you’re getting into. Dehumidifiers are known to have a lower energy consumption in general, however, some models are specifically designed for long-term use without raising the energy bill by a large degree.
Larger devices can be more efficient compared to smaller ones as they may be able to circulate the air and dehumidify a room faster. This means they don’t need to run as long as smaller ones. However, your room may benefit from a smaller one if the humidity issues aren’t that bad.
Which Dehumidifier is Best for You?
For people who need to dehumidify a small space, smaller dehumidifiers are the best choice. They don’t take up much space either so they can be perfect when you don’t have a lot of room spare around the home. They are perfect in areas such as the laundry room, bathroom, or kitchen. Or perhaps you wish to run one in a nursery or a small playroom.
Another great thing about small dehumidifiers is that they are easily portable. You can pick them up and move them from room to room as needed. These are even worthwhile to take out of the house for use in an RV, for instance.
Check out our favorite picks for our top budget option, top mid-range option, and our favorite high-end unit:
Best Budget Option – SEAVON Electric Dehumidifier
Best Mid-Range Option – Pure Enrichment® PureDry™ Mini Dehumidifier
Best High-End Option – Tenergy Sorbi Dehumidifier