The Best Dehumidifiers for Basements, According to Our Testing
Dank air and frigid temperatures are no problem for these tough performers.
Tested by Nikolas GreenwaldData Engineer
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
The basement is the most common — and most challenging — place for a dehumidifier. These underground spaces often harbor excessive moisture, requiring the unit to work overtime to dry the air. Add freezing temperatures found in many unfinished basements and a dehumidifier’s mechanics can take a real hit. It’s no surprise that when homeowners report their dehumidifier breaking down prematurely, nine times out of ten, it was working hard in the basement.
Our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute keep this reality top of mind during their continuous testing of dehumidifiers. In recent years, we’ve evaluated more than a dozen models in the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab, as well in the homes of expert testers, where we evaluate their performance in real-world conditions.
For this report, we pulled together models that not only draw moisture from humid indoor air quickly and efficiently but also maintain consistent performance through the harsh conditions posed by basements. It’s the rare case in our product reviews where being a cellar dweller is a good thing!
Honeywell 50-Pint Dehumidifier with Built-in Pump
Pros
- Fast, effective moisture removal
- Built-in pump for continuous operation
- Clear display with intuitive controls
Cons
- Large enclosure takes up more space
Capacity: 50 pt | Tank size: 1.9 gal | Weight: 40.5 lbs | Dimensions: 15.4" x 10.6" x 24.1" | Drainage: Bucket or hose (with pump) | Noise level at highest fan setting: 51 dB | Fan speeds: High, medium, low | Energy Star certification: Yes
Combining precise climate control with durable construction and easy operation, Honeywell’s 50-pint dehumidifier is the model our experts recommend most for damp basements.
Another feature of the Honeywell that makes it ideal for basements is its frost control sensor, which automatically shuts the unit off when the temperature dips below 40°F, the point at which ice crystals can start to form on its coils. Dehumidifiers without this feature will continue to run without pulling moisture from the air, wasting energy and putting unnecessary strain on the mechanics.
In addition to its exceptional performance in our water removal test, the Honeywell's accurate humidistat helps it maintain steady humidity levels. And it includes an onboard pump, so you can continuously drain water vertically or horizontally, up to 15 feet.
"The Honeywell was also one of the easiest dehumidifiers to take apart and clean, thanks to its accessible front-facing bucket with a handle," said Good Housekeeping Institute Lab Assistant Nikolas Greenwald. "Plus, we found the interface and digital controls to be clear and intuitive."
All that stellar performance comes at a cost: The Honeywell is one of the more expensive models from our latest round of testing. It's also fairly bulky and on the noisy side, so it's best suited to basements or other isolated parts of the home, as opposed to your bedroom or family room.
BLACK+DECKER 30 Pint Dehumidifier
Pros
- Excellent performance for the price
- Intuitive control panel
Cons
- Not suited to large, damp spaces
Capacity: 30 pt | Tank size: 1 gal | Weight: 32.7 lbs | Dimensions: 9.7" x 13.2" x 19.9" | Drainage: Bucket or hose (without pump) | Noise level at highest fan setting: Not listed | Fan speeds: High and low | Energy Star certification: Yes
This 30-pint dehumidifier from Black + Decker isn't designed for cavernous basements with high levels of humidity (think standing puddles of water or condensation dripping from the walls). But if you have an average-size space that occasionally has a musty smell, it should perform capably while saving you significantly on the upfront cost.
During Lab tests of the 30-pint dehumidifier, our experts observed fast, effective moisture removal and quiet operation. The intuitive control panel makes for easy operation, including a digital humidistat display that's been accurate through early testing.
Continuous draining is possible with the provided hose, though there's no on-board pump with this model. The 50-pint version, which can dehumidify spaces up to 4,500 square feet, comes with that feature.
TCL 50 Pint Smart Dehumidifier
Pros
- Capable and energy-efficient
- Can be controlled remotely via app
- Features all-important auto-defrost
Cons
- Noisy when running on high
Capacity: 50 pt | Tank size: 1.5 gal | Weight: 47 lbs | Dimensions: 25" x 17" x 13 " | Drainage: Bucket or hose (with pump) | Noise level at highest fan setting: Not listed | Fan speeds: High and low | Energy Star certification: Yes
For large, wet basements, you need a dehumidifier that can remove at least 50 pints of water per day from the air, like this capable performer from TCL.
On the strength of its durable design and powerful motor, the TCL delivers superb air-drying across up to 4,500 square feet of space. That means it won't be overworked if you keep it running more or less all the time.
Even with this kind of power, the dehumidifier carries the Energy Star label, so it will keep both moisture levels and electricity costs in check. The built-in pump allows for continuous draining, though this convenience will reduce your energy savings.
Our experts also like the TCL's smart features, including Wi-Fi connectivity and a user-friendly app that allows you to monitor and control the machine remotely — even if that just means checking that it's running without trudging down to the basement. The brand doesn't list noise levels, but some testers found the fan to be a bit loud on its highest setting, so you might want to consider another of our picks if your dehumidifier will live in a finished basement that doubles as a TV room or home office.
RELATED: The Best Portable Air Conditioners
Pros
- Excellent air-drying power
- Collapsible design for easy storage
Cons
- Some users might find it cumbersome
Capacity: 35 pt | Tank size: 4.2 gal | Weight: 41 lbs | Dimensions: 15" x 15" x 14 " | Drainage: Bucket or hose (without pump) | Noise level at highest fan setting: Not listed | Fan speeds: High, medium, low | Energy Star certification: Yes
The Midea Cube is the most versatile dehumidifier we tested, with models that range from 1,500 square feet of air-drying capacity all the way up to 4,500 square feet.
All versions feature a unique two-part design consisting of a storage bucket and a condenser unit that nestles inside the bucket during storage and on top of it when you're ready to put it to work. The clever construction means its tank can hold about three times as much water as a comparably sized traditional humidifier. But at full capacity, the bucket weighs upwards of 40 pounds, plus lifting and twisting the hefty compressor into place takes some muscle.
If you're willing to put up with that extra work, you won't be disappointed by the Midea. In our tests of the mid-size, 35-pint model, it did a superb job dehumidifying with minimal noise from the motor or fan. Its auto-defrost function means it's safe for use in basements or other cold parts of the home. It comes with a hose for continuous draining, though no built-in pump. However, the 50-pint version includes both the pump and hose.
Frigidaire High Humidity 50-Pint Capacity Dehumidifier
Pros
- Fast, efficient air drying
- Portable design
- Front water bucket has handles for easy emptying
Cons
- No pump for elevated draining
- High fan setting may be noisy in a small room
Capacity: 50 pt | Tank size: 1.7 gal | Weight: 44 lbs | Dimensions: 12.19" x 15.97" x 24.25" | Claimed coverage area: 4,500 sq ft | Drainage: Bucket or hose (no pump) | Fan speeds: High, medium, low | Noise level at highest fan setting: | 47 dB
All the Frigidaire dehumidifiers we've tested lack a frost control sensor, so we don't recommend them for spaces that experience frigid conditions. But they can do the job in most finished basements or if you live in a warm climate without extreme winter temperatures.
This 50-pint unit from Frigidaire delivered excellent air-drying performance in our tests and it has a lot of simple, helpful features that make it a breeze to use. For example, its cord wraps around hooks on the back for easy storage and the drainage bucket has a built-in carrying handle that makes it easy to transport.
There's an indicator that lights up red when the bucket needs to be emptied, or you can connect a hose for continuous drainage. However, there's no on-board pump, so you can't drain the water into an elevated area, like a utility sink or out a nearby window.
Clocking in at 44 pounds, the Frigidaire is heavier than other tested models but its casters make it easy to move around. Its highest fan setting is quite noisy, something to keep in mind if it will be within earshot of the TV room.
Other dehumidifiers we recommend
Though they narrowly missed our winners list, these tested models also have a lot to offer.
GE 50-Pint Dehumidifier with Pump: This GE is a capable pick for chilly basements, thanks to its auto-defrost function, which automatically shuts off the unit if frost starts to form on the coils. Weighing in at 44 pounds with a large housing, the dehumidifier is fairly bulky, but its wheels and handle made it easy to transport during our usability tests.
Midea 35-Pint Dehumidifier: Unlike the Cube, this Midea looks and functions like a standard dehumidifier. It does a solid job of removing water from the air in medium-sized spaces effectively and quietly. The 33-pound dehumidifier sits on wheels for easy transportation from room to room, though at nearly 25 inches tall, it's on the bulky side.
hOmeLabs 22-Pint Dehumidifier: Our experts say this 22-pint model will do a capable job of removing moisture from the air in small- to mid-size spaces. It's the smallest unit from our tests, so it's a great option if you're working with a tight space, like a basement bathroom or home office.
How we test dehumidifiers
Product analysts and test engineers at the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab continuously survey the marketplace and manufacturers to identify basement dehumidifiers that consumers nationwide are most likely to find in stores and online. For this report, we singled out reliable brands for testing across different size categories to cover every need and budget.
Hands-on testing begins in our Lab under controlled humidity and temperature conditions (similar to how other home air equipment is tested, including humidifiers and portable air conditioners). The key performance-based test measures how much water each dehumidifier collects in a 48-hour time period.
Our engineers also use a decibel meter to assess how loud each machine is when running at its highest fan speed. Usability is another important part of our evaluation; it happens in the Lab, as well as in the homes of consumer testers, allowing us to test basement dehumidifiers under real-world conditions.
Our pros also assess factors such as portability, how intuitive the model's display and controls are and ease of cleaning, including how easy it is to wash the dehumidifier's filter and empty the water reservoir. Finally, we evaluate each brand's customer service by contacting their helplines with a pretend problem and taking note of how quickly it is remedied by the representative.
What to look for when shopping
Here are a few factors to keep in mind when searching for a dehumidifier for your basement:
✔️ Size: If you have a large basement (or a particularly damp one), you're going to want a bigger unit that can process more air. If you have a smaller space, you might want a smaller unit. Dehumidifiers are sized based on how many pints of water they can remove in a day. The colder the space, the less water the unit pulls since cold air contains less moisture than warm air. Here's a little guide to get you started:
- A small humidifier removes 20 to 25 pints of moisture at 65°F, or 30 to 40 pints at 80°F (about 400 to 600-plus square feet).
- A medium humidifier removes 30 to 35 pints of moisture at 65°F, or 50 to 60 pints at 80°F (about 800 to 1,000-plus square feet).
- A large humidifier removes 40 to 55 pints of moisture at 65°F, or 70 to 90 pints at 80°F (about 1,200 to 1,500-plus square feet).
✔️ Hoses and pumps: Some large-capacity dehumidifiers come equipped with a hose connection (pictured) so you don't have to empty the machine regularly. A pump can send water to a sink or other place to siphon off, and many can move the water up to 15 feet.
✔️ Features: Look for easy-access reservoirs and filter indicators that make it easier to maintain your machine. Also consider auto-humidistats, which can sense the moisture in the air and turn off when a desired level is reached. Because basements tend to be cold, you might want to check for a low-temperature setting or auto-defrost function to help ensure the unit runs properly in cool spaces.
How does a dehumidifier work?
A dehumidifier is a system of two heat exchangers and a condenser. Air from the room is pulled into the first heat exchanger by its fan and exchanges heat with a refrigerant in the heat exchanger. This heat exchange causes the air to drop below its dew point (the temperature at which condensation starts to form).
The resulting condensation is then deposited into the dehumidifier's tank. The evaporated coolant then flows into a condenser where it's returned to its liquid form and the heat it produced in the process is absorbed back by the air. This way, cold air isn't coming off the dehumidifier. The air that leaves a dehumidifier will always be slightly hotter than the air that enters, as work is required to run the system.
Can a dehumidifier get rid of mold?
While a dehumidifier cannot get rid of mold, it can help prevent it by removing moisture from the air that mold spores need to thrive, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Though you're never going to get rid of every last spore in the home, by using a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels below 55%, you’ll make it difficult for mold outbreaks to reach a level where they start causing health problems.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Dan DiClerico has spearheaded numerous investigative reports on the topic of indoor air quality, working closely with outside experts from the government, industry and the home services space. In his role as Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute, he oversees our continuous in-home, survey-based consumer testing for dehumidifiers, which allows us to evaluate these devices in real-world conditions.
GH Institute Data Engineer Nikolas Greenwald led our latest round of dehumidifier testing. Before joining GH in 2022, Nikolas worked on projects ranging from chemical inventory and reporting to the development of bioassays in the labs of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. He holds a degree in chemical engineering from Northeastern University.
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.
As a data engineer in the Good Housekeeping Institute, Nik (he/him) works with all of our Labs to develop testing protocols and manage data collection and analysis. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Nik worked in the labs of MIT and Regeneron, working on projects ranging from chemical inventory and reporting to the development of bioassays. He holds a degree in chemical engineering from Northeastern University.
The 15 Best Natural and Organic Sunscreens
The Best Mosquito Repellents
The Best Neck Firming Creams
The Best Pressure Washers
