8 Best Humidifiers for Coughs, Allergies, Dry Skin and More
Deep breath — our experts have you covered with their latest round-up of top picks.
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Winter is the prime time to make sure your home is equipped with a capable humidifier — or a few of them, depending on the size and makeup of your household. By adding moisture to the air, these portable machines relieve itchy skin and dry eyes and can also help with common cold symptoms, like stuffy noses and nighttime coughing. They’re even good for the house itself, since dry indoor air takes a toll on wood floors, artwork and electronics.
In the last two years, our team of product experts and engineers in the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab of the Good Housekeeping Institute has tested 20 humidifiers, evaluating them on factors like moisture output, ease of use, energy efficiency and noise. We also sent units into the homes of consumer testers to see how they perform in real-world conditions.
The following round-up includes the top picks across a variety of needs, from a nursery to whole-house humidification. Find the one that's right for you — and breathe a little easier all winter long.
LEVOIT Classic 300S Smart Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Pros
- Easy to use and refill
- Quiet when running
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- A little tedious to clean
This innovative, feature-rich Levoit nabbed the top spot in our latest tests because of its solid moisture output and intuitive design. It's ideal for medium-sized rooms, including bedrooms and family rooms.
Our consumer testers noted how quiet the ultrasonic unit was while running throughout the night. “Even on the highest setting, I thought it must be off because I could barely hear it," one tester reported, adding the the machine went for more than two days before needing a refill. The built-in night light is a nice convenience, especially for kids' rooms.
Levoit humidifiers have historically been top performers in our Lab tests for ease of use. This model is no exception, featuring a transparent tank with a large opening on the top that makes it easy to add water when needed. Our engineers called out the auto-mode setting that automatically adjusts mist levels to maintain your desired humidity levels.
For those looking for smart home connectivity, this humidifier can be voice-operated by Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant once you set it up in the VeSync app. Plus, if you want to use it for aromatherapy, a tray is included for essential oils. One downside our pros noted is that the base of the humidifier has many crevices that make it harder to clean.
- Dimensions: 9.6" x 7.5" x 13.4”
- Weight: 4.3 lbs
- Water tank capacity: 6 L
- Room size: 200 to 500 sq ft
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Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Pros
- Space-saving design
- Quiet operation
- One-button operation is easy to use
Cons
- Tank hole could be larger to ease cleaning process
If you need to buy multiple humidifiers for your home, this well-priced model from Pure Enrichment will keep costs down, without sacrificing much in the way of performance or feature set. It boasts a space-saving, stylish design and its ultra-quiet operation might make you forget you’re running a humidifier in the first place.
The auto shut-off feature comes in handy when water levels are low or the tank is misaligned. Based on our tests, the 1.5-liter tank should be able to run it up to 12 hours on the highest setting or 24 hours on low in rooms up to 250 square feet. That runtime is about average, so you will be filling the tank more often compared with larger models.
Our pros also found that the single push-button operation was easy to use once they got used to it — one push for low-speed on, two pushes for low-speed off, three pushes for high-speed on, etc. However, the MistAire wasn't the easiest to clean in our tests, due to its medium-sized tank opening, though it does come with a cleaning brush to help make maintenance a little less arduous.
- Dimensions: 10.9" x 9.2" x 6.9"
- Weight: 1.35 lbs
- Water tank capacity: 1.5 L
- Room size: Up to 245 sq ft
Pure Guardian Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Pros
- Resists mold and mildew buildup
- Solid moisture output up to 420 square feet
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Doesn't offer pinpoint control of mist setting
Humidifiers are notoriously hard to keep clean, since the moist environment is a perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew and other slimy stuff. While all our picks are easier to maintain than the average humidifier, this ultrasonic cool-mist model from PureGuardian earned top marks in that department with our testers.
The 5-inch opening at the top of this quiet unit is twice the size of other tested models, so it’s easy to get in there with a sponge to wipe down the interior. There are also fewer nooks and crannies in the base unit for grime to collect. The brand also says a mildew-fighting technology is embedded in the water tank. We couldn’t test that specific claim, but the humidifier did harbor very little slime over months of Lab and home tests.
What’s more, the 3.9-liter PureGuardian did a super job of maintaining healthy moisture levels in the driest conditions up to 420 square feet. As one expert tester put it, the unit is “much better at humidifying than any unit we’ve used before." Another with young children reported, “The humidifier helped my daughter sleep better when she had a cough.”
The only quibble from testers was that the touch-button controls didn't allow the same level of precise moisture output as those that use a continuous dial or specific humidity percentage setting.
- Dimensions: 7.32" x 7.32" x 13.78"
- Weight: 2.75 lbs
- Water tank capacity: 3.8 L
- Room size: Up to 420 sq ft
Vicks 3-in-1 SleepyTime Humidifier
Pros
- Movable nozzle lets you point moisture in a specific direction
- Built-in night light
- Easy to move from room to room
Cons
- Tank interior is harder to keep clean
Running a humidifier in a bedroom with a sick child is one of the most common use cases we hear from readers. So we always evaluate the devices with that scenario in mind. The Vicks 3-in-1 SleepyTime Cool Mist Humidifier, a Good Housekeeping Parenting Award winner, stood out from the pack, thanks to its kid-friendly multi-functionality.
First and foremost, it excelled in our performance-based Lab tests, delivering solid output and operating quietly. Our testers also gave it perfect scores for being easy to set up, move around and fill with water. Parent testers appreciated being able to adjust the nozzle to direct the moisture where needed and noted that they could easily unplug the lightweight machine and move it from one room to the next.
“The kids loved the night-light feature while they were falling asleep,” one added. Others reported that the humidifier was a little hard to clean due to the smaller opening of its bottom-fill tank.
The Vicks humidifier includes an essential oils diffuser that releases a scent into the room. Some experts we’ve worked with on the topic of diffusers discourage their use around kids (and pets), since high doses of some essential oils can be harmful. But grown-ups who use the feature might find it reduces stress and helps with sleep, among other benefits.
- Dimensions: 8.6" x 8.15" x 8.23"
- Weight: 3.7 lbs
- Water tank capacity: 2.3 L
- Room size: Up to 250 sq ft
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Pros
- Adds moisture to the air throughout the entire home
- Built-in sensor turns the system on and off automatically
- Energy-efficient design
Cons
- Steep upfront cost, especially since professional installation is required
As the name suggests, whole-house humidifiers are designed to add moisture to the air throughout an entire home. Most do this by tying into the home’s existing forced-air heating system. That’s the case with the AprilAire 400, which our experts say is from one of the most reliable brands in the business today.
The system uses evaporative technology, in which a fan blows air through a wet filter, creating moisture that enters the air as it’s ready to recirculate throughout the home. The 400 series is effective at humidifying up to 5,000 square feet.
We also like the built-in sensor that registers when humidity levels drop below a certain set point, automatically starting up the system and pumping moisture into your home's air. That maintains optimal comfort without driving up energy costs. However since professional installation is required, there is a steep upfront cost.
- Dimensions: 15.38" x 15.75" x 10.25"
- Weight: 8.8 lbs
- Water tank capacity: N/A
- Room size: Up to 5,000 sq ft
LEVOIT OasisMist 450S Smart Humidifier
Pros
- Combines cool and warm mist in one humidifier
- Can be operated via the app or compatible voice assistants
- Easy to use and carry
- Features dual nozzle to adjust mist flow
Cons
- Not ideal for extra large spaces over 430 square feet
This smart humidifier from Levoit is unique in that it gives you the choice between warm and cool mist depending on your symptoms or the time of year. It also features a dual nozzle so you can adjust exactly where the mist goes. “I really like that the nozzle swivels so that I could easily direct where I wanted the mist to go to get the best coverage,” one tester observed. All testers also liked that the high-tech unit displays the current humidity level of the room.
In our Lab tests, we found it was easy to control humidity levels with the responsive touch buttons and that the 4.5-liter tank lasted throughout the night. Best of all, the water tank has a top-fill design with a large opening and it's extremely easy to carry over to a sink, thanks to a comfortable handle. Our tech analysts added that you can operate the humidifier and adjust settings or set schedules through the VeSync app or a compatible smart speaker, like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Keep in mind that it's not ideal for extra-large spaces over 430 square feet.
- Dimensions: 10.8" x 6" x 11.97”
- Weight: 5.3 lbs
- Water tank capacity: 4.5 L
- Room size: 215 to 430 sq ft
Vornado Evap40 Evaporative Humidifier
Pros
- Huge water tank capacity
- Easy to operate
Cons
- On the noisier side
Able to add moisture to areas up to 1,000 square feet, this humidifier is the go-to for anyone with a large space to condition, such as the first floor of a house or a small apartment. With a 15-liter capacity, this humidifier has the largest water tank on our winner's list, meaning you won’t have to refill it with water nearly as often.
This model earned top scores in our Lab tests for moisture output. When you are ready to add more water, remove the two tanks on the sides of the humidifier and fill them up. One of of our testers pointed out, however, that “the water tanks are difficult to grasp and remove.”
Its design isn’t quite as sleek as other humidifiers we tested, and its boxy housing will take up more floor space. But the controls are simple and easy to operate – just turn the knob to adjust fan speed and humidity levels. The continuous-dial controls also allow for more precise output of moisture into the room. Some testers complained that the unit gurgles, which might be annoying for light sleepers.
- Dimensions: 13.5" x 19.5" x 10.5”
- Weight: 9 lbs
- Water tank capacity: 15 L
- Room size: Up to 1,000 sq ft
Dyson Purifier Humidify + Cool Autoreact
Pros
- Air purifier and humidifier in one
- Intelligent climate control avoids over-humidifying
- Certified by the AAFA
Cons
- Expensive
If you suffer from allergies or asthma, our pros recommend this humidifier and air purifier combo from Dyson. For good measure, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) also certifies it as asthma- and allergy-friendly. While it’s very pricey, it comes with a lot of useful add-ons, most notably a true HEPA filter that claims to kill 99.97% of bacteria before dispersing cool mist into your room.
The intelligent climate-control feature helps maintain a steady level of humidity without over-humidifying, which can be troublesome for people with asthma. “Since using this, my allergies, hair and skin have all improved drastically. It is worth the price!” one online reviewer said.
- Dimensions: 36.33" x 12.28" x 11.02"
- Weight: 18 lbs
- Water tank capacity: 3.7 L
- Room size: Up to 440 sq ft for humidifier and 867 sq ft for purifier
How we test humidifiers
The product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute survey the marketplace and manufacturers throughout the year to identify the models that consumers nationwide are most likely to find in stores and online. From there, we select models for testing across different size categories to cover every need and budget. Our engineers have evaluated dozens of humidifiers in the past decade, reviewing 20 humidifiers for this most recent review.
When our pros look at humidifiers, we first assess their ease of use: How easy is the humidifier to set up and fill? Is it easy to clean and transport? We take note of how comfortable the handle is as well as the intuitiveness of controls.
Next, we evaluate each humidifier’s performance in a series of Lab tests measuring each humidifier’s tank capacity, output capacity (liters/day) and how long a single tank fill lasts, i.e. will it make it through the night? To assess efficiency, we measure the time it takes the humidifier to reach set humidity levels in our Lab’s humidity-controlled chamber. Lastly, we take note of sound levels, energy consumption and extra features like smart connectivity.
What to look for when shopping for the best humidifier
✔️ Cool mist vs. warm mist: Both cool and warm mist humidifiers effectively add moisture into the air, but cool mist options tend to be better for homes with children and pets since potentially hazardous hot steam isn't emitted, the way it is with warm mist machines. Cool mist humidifiers can be used year-round and they are especially effective at relieving cold symptoms, since they help ease respiratory and sinus discomfort.
Within the cool-mist category, you'll find two technologies: evaporative and ultrasonic. Evaporative humidifiers use a fan to draw air through a wet wick and then release the vapor into the air. Ultrasonic cool mist humidifiers use a high-speed vibrating plate to turn water into a fine mist. Without any gurgling water, these are often the quietest options when it comes to cool mist humidifiers.
Meanwhile warm mist humidifiers, also known as vaporizers, have an internal heating element which boils water, in turn releasing steam into the room. They're best for reducing germs and bacteria, and will be a welcome feature on colder nights when you’d like to add some heat to the air.
✔️ Size: Each humidifier is designed for a certain room size based on factors like its tank size and discharge rate. To make sure you have the right size, double-check the manufacturer’s recommended square footage for your model. Most of our picks are portable, tabletop humidifiers for small to medium rooms; if you need humidity throughout your entire home, consider one of our recommended whole-house humidifiers.
✔️ Water-tank capacity: Some humidifiers can only operate for a few hours before needing to be refilled, while others have larger water tank capacity and can go for 48 hours or longer. For humidifiers that have smaller tanks and require more frequent refilling, an auto-off feature is good to have so that the humidifier won't try to continue running even after the water runs out.
✔️ Tank design: The tank design impacts how easy a humidifier is to use and maintain. Look for tanks that have large openings to make refilling and cleaning easier. Translucent designs are also helpful because they allow you to see how full the tank is, so you know when it’s time to refill.
✔️ Ease of cleaning: Cleaning your humidifier at least once a week is extremely important to prevent the growth of mold, bacteria and microbes, which is the last thing you need flying through the air when you're dealing with respiratory issues. Make sure your humidifier is easy to disassemble and scrub, since you'll be doing it often.
What are the benefits of a humidifier?
Adding a humidifier to your bedroom or any other room in your home infuses dry air with much-needed moisture so you can maintain ideal indoor humidity levels ranging between 30% to 50%. One of the most sought-after benefits of a humidifier is that it helps you breathe easier. But that doesn’t mean that humidifiers are only for asthma sufferers or those with allergies.
In general, inhaling too much dry air can lead to nosebleeds and make breathing difficult for everyone, explained Janet Hill Prystowsky, M.D. By adding moisture to the air, you can help lubricate dry airways, relieve stuffy noses, soothe persistent coughs and even combat snoring.
A humidifier can even help leave you feeling and looking more refreshed by decreasing the loss of water in your skin and preventing itchy or chapped lips. "A humidifier that adds 30% to 40% of humidity back into the air will moisturize all of your exposed surfaces," Prystowsky said. Even better: Because your skin is more moisturized, scars, wrinkles and facial blemishes will be less visible. Our research has also found that the right humidifier can help houseplants stay properly hydrated throughout the day.
Our experts warn that while the benefits of a humidifier are high during drier seasons like winter, it's important to not overdo it: "High humidity can make your home feel stuffy and cause harmful bacteria or mold to grow, which can lead to more respiratory problems," said Tonya Winders, president and CEO of Allergy & Asthma Network. Both Winders and Prystowsky suggested using a hygrometer, which measures air moisture if you’re not sure how much humidity is inside your home. Lastly, you should always make sure to clean your humidifier regularly to keep mold from growing inside. "As long as you keep it cleaned, you shouldn't have any problems," Prystowsky said.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Dan DiClerico has been testing and writing about humidifiers for 25 years. In that time, he has spearheaded numerous investigative reports on the topic of indoor air quality, working closely with outside experts from government, industry and the home services space. As Director of Home Improvement and Outdoor at the Good Housekeeping Institute, DiClerico oversaw the latest round of humidifier testing in our Labs, as well as the continuous in-home, survey-based consumer testing that allows us to evaluate these devices in real-world conditions.
Olivia Lipski covers everything from consumer electronics to home, outdoor, fitness and more. To survive harsh NYC winters (and the dry skin that comes along with it!), she’s been sleeping next to a cool mist humidifier for years.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
Olivia (she/her) is a senior reviews writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, overseeing product testing and covering tech, travel, home, fitness, parenting, health and more. Since joining GH in 2021, she has continued to leverage her extensive product reviews experience by staying on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helping readers make better buying decisions. Olivia is a graduate of the George Washington University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.
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