Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you choose links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Banish dry throat and chapped lips with our top picks.
The humidifier’s tank can be filled with enough water to last nearly 12 hours.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
To learn more about how we tested humidifiers, check outour testing processbelow.
Best Overall
Vicks EasyCare+ TopFill Ultrasonic Humidifier
Its simple to clean and refill.
It doesnt regulate, so theres potential to over-humidify.
Credit: Amazon
Our noses felt less dry, and the essential oils we added filled the room with a pleasantnot overwhelmingscent.
With a tank capacity of just 0.6 gallons, this is the smallest of the three humidifiers we recommend.
We noticed it helped alleviate congestion and discomfort, especially when paired with the brandsmenthol VapoPads.
The Vicks EasyCare and Top Fill Ultrasonic Humidifier is easy to set up and use, and changes the air noticeably in just 30 minutes.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
In addition, using tap water may add allergens in the air.
We even used tap water and didnt notice any mineral deposits, despite having medium-hard water.
The smaller size also allows you to leave it on yourbedroom nightstandor even youroffice desk.
One thing to note: This humidifier does not have any smart features, and it doesnt self-regulate.
That means that there is a potential for over-humidifying your space.
Unlike other ultrasonic humidifiers, there is a water filter that needs to be replaced regularly.
If youre looking for a humidifier with more than the basics, we recommend the Levoit OasisMist 450S.
For such a tech-focused humidifier, we found it very easy and intuitive to operate.
We especially appreciated the simple-to-use display panel.
The humidifier is effective, especially on high controls.
Cleaning wasnt difficult either.
This pick also lets you alternate between warm and cool mist, which is a nice option.
The design of the water tank can make it more difficult to clean; luckily, its dishwasher friendly.
A transparent tank on the side allows you to see at a glance when the water level is low.
Luckily, the tank is dishwasher-friendly, which is how we chose to clean it during long-term testing.
There are no special features like lights, automatic shutoff, or even a timer.
But for ease of use, it really cant be beat.
Its quiet enough to use in a bedroom, simple to operate, and easy to clean.
The final rating was determined by averaging each pick’s scores across categories.
This process was repeated on both the low setting and high setting for each model.
Then, we cleaned the tanks using a vinegar solution and any brushes included with the humidifier.
We noted any tough crevices to clean and how long it took to complete the task.
Once our lab testing was complete, we brought home top-performing models to evaluate their quality over time.
We largely used tap water and extended the time between cleanings to evaluate scrubbing tough buildup.
We also spent time testing the humidifiers smart features and night lights.
Afterwards, we compared all the results to determine which are the best humidifiers.
Ultrasonic humidifiersuse vibrations to create water vapor, which releases into the air.
Typically, ultrasonic humidifiers do not have any heating element and provide a cool mist.
Some ultrasonic humidifiers, like theLevoit OasisMist 450S, do include a filter to catch allergens.
Evaporative humidifierswork by using a fan to blow water through a wick filter.
Credit: Amazon
This process evaporates the water and pushes the mist into the air.
Because evaporative humidifiers have more parts than ultrasonic models, they tend to be larger and trickier to clean.
The amount varies by unit, with the average being anywhere from 2 to 6 liters.
The Levoit OasisMist 450S is slim enough to fit on a nightstand.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
Cleaning and Maintenance
After years of testing humidifiers, the biggest pain point weve discovered is cleaning.
There are a few factors that help us determine whether a humidifier is easy to clean.
In addition, smaller crevices inside the tanks can hide buildup and make it more difficult to clean.
Other common features include a timer, night-light, and essential oil diffuser.
Some have apps and are compatible with smart home devices like Amazon Alexa.
For the most part, we found that pricier models come packed with more features.
It also has a dry mode so the wicking filter doesnt stay wet after use.
However, it increased humidity slowly and is more expensive than our top picks.
It quickly increased our rooms humidity, operated quietly, and can be easily controlled with its accompanying app.
But its not the most attractive humidifier available and was more difficult to clean compared to others.
Your Questions, Answered
What are the benefits of using a humidifier?
Generally, the dryer the climate, the more useful a humidifier will be.
Whats the best humidifier for kids?
While none made our final list, some humidfiers offer color-changing night lights that might especially appeal to children.
Is a cool mist or warm mist humidifier better?
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
Credit: Amazon
As an evaporative model, the Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier operates mist-free.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
We used a humidity monitor to check the amount of humidity in the air during our testing of humidifiers.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
The humidifier’s control panel should be intuitive and easy to use, and its tank capacity should hold enough water to cover the full square feet of the room.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
