Prevent dry skin, colds, coughs and more.
Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post. Electric Diffuser
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.
Waking up with nasal congestion, cracked skin, or a nosebleed is not an ideal way to start your day. Investing in a good humidifier goes a long way in reducing these symptoms and getting more restful sleep. Humidifiers are also essential for those who receive supplemental oxygen or use a CPAP machine.
As noted by Whitney Hall, MD, a Texas-based doctor who specializes in ear, nose, and throat health, humidifiers release moisture into the air to alleviate nosebleeds and nasal congestion or coughing caused by colds, sinus infections, asthma, and allergies. Humidifiers also relieve painful, cracked skin, especially in the colder months.
Our editors tested 30 of the most popular humidifiers available today, both in the testing lab and at home, to see how they defended against allergies, asthma, dry skin, and nosebleeds. We used each humidifier for three months and rated its design, overall value, and ease of use. An emergency medicine physician on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy regarding what to look for in a humidifier, the different types, and the potential benefits they can provide.
The first thing we noticed about the Vicks Easy Care + TopFill Ultrasonic Cool Mist humidifier was how easy and straightforward it was to set up. The instructions were clear, and there were only a couple pieces we had to attach to get it ready for use. Once we had it up and running, it didn't take long to notice the humidity increasing on the high setting, and we noticed that our nasal passages felt less dry after sitting in the room with the humidifier.
We love that this humidifier also has the option to use essential oils. We found that although the humidifying effects weren't as dramatic on the lowest setting, the essential oils still diffused well and helped relieve our symptoms.
The humidifier is quiet on all its settings, and we barely noticed a difference in noise level when we increased the intensity. The lack of lights and minimal cloud vapor make it ideal if you prefer a humidifier that isn't disruptive to your sleep or work environment. As a final perk, it's easy to clean, without any annoying, hard-to-reach crevices that can harbor bacteria.
The design is pretty straightforward, without any lights or other features, so if you're looking for a humidifier that doubles as a night light this isn't the best option.
Warm air has been shown to alleviate asthma and allergies, and we think the Lasko Warm and Cool Humidifier is the best option out there for those who suffer from asthma symptoms. As soon as we turned it on, the mist from this humidifier was immediately visible. The warm mist temperature setting wasn't immediately noticeable, but once it kicked in, we felt allergy relief.
We also love that this humidifier has three different levels, so you can easily adjust the intensity of the mist. Even on the highest levels, the humidifier was basically silent, so it's a great choice if you find background noise to be distracting.
Cleaning isn’t quite as breezy as some of the other models we tried. The tank opening is large enough to accommodate a small adult hand, but it would be difficult to clean inside the tank without special tools. The areas around and behind the mist tube are especially hard to reach.
Given its large size, high capacity, and overall powerhouse ability to humidify your whole home, you might think the Lacidoll 4.2 Gallon Cool Mist Ultrasonic Whole House humidifier would sound like a motorcycle engine. We were surprised to find that it was even quieter than some of the smaller humidifiers we tried. We could hear a few drips and trickles of water as well as a light hum, but it was much quieter than computer typing or the noise that came from our heating vents.
Aside from the quiet operation, we found this humidifier easy to use and clean, as well as highly effective. Even on its lowest setting, we noticed much higher humidity in the room. The user-friendly design features a digital display, remote control, and a four-inch viewing window that shows how much water is left in the tank.
Given its impressive humidifying capabilities, we were surprised at how little water the humidifier uses. We ran it for five days on low without having to refill the tank. Even on its highest setting, you should only have to refill the tank every three or four days if you run it all day.
This humidifier can get heavy and difficult to move when it's full of water, so we suggest picking a spot and leaving it there until the water level is much lower.
All the humidifiers we tested would be a great option if you suffer from allergies, but the Vitruvi Cloud Cool Mist Humidifier stood out from the rest. We noticed a huge improvement in both our breathing and our sleep quality while using this humidifier, even while also running our heater (which dries out the air significantly) six hours per day.
Considering the output, the humidifier takes up a small footprint, and we appreciated the sleek, slim design. It runs overnight without interruption and features three run-time settings: eight hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours. It's also easy to fill and clean and doesn't need to be refilled very often. We found that we only needed to use it a few times per week in the more humid summer months, but if you live in a place with cold, dry winters, you'll probably find yourself using it every day, especially if you suffer from allergies.
The manufacturer does not recommend adding essential oils to this humidifier.
We noticed a significant difference in skin moisture after using the Pure Guardian Ultrasonic cool mist humidifier consistently. The digital design and humidifying features make the humidifier easy to use, and the touchscreen buttons are a nice touch. The lighting on the buttons turns off after a while, making it easy to get a good night’s sleep even if you forget to turn it off.
You can also adjust the level of mist. The lightest level produces a nearly invisible mist, and the middle creates a more visible stream that is not too overpowering. With two clicks of the button, you can activate the third, most powerful mist.
We found this humidifier a bit more difficult to fill and clean than other models, but once we got over the initial learning curve, it wasn’t too cumbersome. Just be sure to read the instruction manual before you attempt to remove the tank or clean it out since it’s not as straightforward as it looks.
Although the Vicks Warm Mist humidifier was one of the more basic models we reviewed, it’s the one we would choose if we were recovering from a nasty sinus infection due to its ability to dispense medications into the air for almost immediate relief. It’s designed to be used with Vicks VapoSteam, but you can also add your preferred essential oils to the humidifier to help you breathe easier.
It took about five minutes for the mist to appear, and the vapor stream wasn’t super strong or overpowering, but it did provide noticeable relief. We appreciated that the tank is quick and easy to empty, and the slim design makes it an excellent choice for small spaces. The water tank is also dishwasher safe, making it easy to sanitize after use.
Unlike some of the other products on this list, this model doesn’t have an automatic shut-off, remote control or any other advanced features. After 15 minutes of use, the humidifier and counter underneath it heated up a bit, so this isn’t a humidifier you’d want to leave on all night.
One of our editors is prone to nose bleeds, but after using the GENIANI Portable Small Cool Mist humidifier for a few weeks, she no longer experienced them. And when she was struggling with congestion from a cold, she felt relief from using this humidifier. Besides how effective it is with moisturizing the air to prevent nose bleeds and provide common cold relief, we love that it’s small enough to keep in an apartment or office. Keep in mind that because of its small size, you may have to refill the tank more often.
The humidifier plugs in with a USB and is the perfect size for most desktops. It also comes with two mist modes, and despite its small size, it noticeably changed the humidity level in the room within minutes. It has an auto shut-off feature for safety and peace of mind. The humidifier also doubles as a night light, with a soft light that makes it ideal for use in a nursery.
The cord is very short and doesn’t reach well from an outlet to a desktop or table, so you might need an extension cord. There's no timer, but there is an intermittent mist feature, with 10 seconds on and 10 seconds off.
Menthol is a proven remedy for sore throats, and this humidifier emits the substance into the air for ultimate relief. The Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier doesn’t require any filters and works with Vicks VapoPads, so you can add soothing menthol vapors for added comfort. The air humidifier can operate for up to 20 hours on the lowest setting, and it automatically shuts off when the tank is empty.
The transparent tank has a wide opening that makes it easy to fill, use, and clean. The mist output is controlled via a dial, and the amount coming out corresponds with the settings. Despite its small size, it has a 20-hour run time, so you could run it during the day if you find it difficult to sleep with the noise.
The menthol inserts don’t come with the humidifier, but they are available to purchase separately. We also found this humidifier a bit noisier than other products, and it made a light gurgling sound on the highest setting.
With a price of less than $20, the Mainstays Rechargeable Cool Mist Travel humidifier seemed too good to be true. However, we were happily surprised to discover that it works well, especially if you're looking for a small humidifier to put on your desk or nightstand. There are extra filters included, and the cleaning process only took us a few minutes.
The humidifier's colorful lights are a fun touch, and its compact, lightweight design means it can easily be packed in a carry-on bag. If you're looking for a humidifier to use at the office, look no further - this one is so compact it can fit easily on your desk, and it also uses a USB charging port.
We didn't find the instructions to be very informative or helpful. Fortunately, it's a small and simple humidifier so we were able to figure it out, but would have appreciated clearer instructions, especially regarding essential oils. Also, keep in mind this humidifier is designed for personal use, so it's not going to work in a large space.
If you suffer from severe allergies, chronic congestion, or painfully dry, itchy skin, you'll need to up the ante with your humidifier, and the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Autoreact humidifier might be the answer. One way to justify the higher price tag is to think of it as three products in one: This amazing model humidifies the room while also purifying and cooling the air.
We were so impressed with the effectiveness of this product and found that it reduced dry skin, alleviated sore throat, and improved sleep quality and overall well-being. And if you enjoy tracking data, you'll love that the screen provides insights into the health of your room, including air quality, gasses, humidity, and temperature. The machine can also oscillate at different degrees, which is helpful if you don't want it to blow in just one direction.
This humidifier costs more than most, and it's also on the larger side, so it might not be ideal for small spaces.
The Pure Enrichment PureBaby Cloud Ultrasonic Cool Mist humidifier's cute cloud design is an adorable addition to any nursery. We love the night light feature, which has seven color options and can be used with our without the humidifier. We found it was easy to set up and took us less than five minutes to clean, as well.
While it's not as powerful as some of the other products on the list, if you're looking to add a bit of moisture to the air in your little one's room, this humidifier will do the trick. It runs for 24 hours and is virtually silent aside from a few little dripping sounds here and there, so it won't disturb your baby's sleep. There's also an auto-shutoff feature if the water level gets too low.
You can't see how much water is left from the outside, but the humidifier will automatically shut off when the water level gets too low.
We noticed immediate improvements in nasal congestion while testing the Dreo 6-Liter Smart Humidifier, even while sitting on the other side of the room. It kept the room consistently at 50% humidity throughout the day, and worked well on both low and high settings. The essential oil diffuser and warm mist options provided just the right amount of scent and warmth, and you have the option to turn the lights on the dashboard on or off.
The setup was straightforward, and it was easy to fill the tank and see how much water was remaining. There's a button that allows you to easily switch between cool or warm mist, and the color display is blue when in cool mode and orange in warm mode. If you like smart features, you'll love that this humidifier comes with an app to check humidity levels and is also Alexa-compatible.
Taking the humidifier apart was a bit trickier than assembling it. We also noticed that the orange plastic cover found in the base was pretty warm after only a few minutes of use, so we recommend letting the humidifier cool for a while before you clean it, especially if it's been running for a long time.
If you're looking for an effective humidifier that works equally well as a diffuser, check out the Levoit Dual 150 Ultrasonic Cool Mist humidifier. All you have to do to reap the benefits of aromatherapy is add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil to the humidifier base. Unlike many other diffusers, this one is practically silent, and the three-liter capacity and auto-shutoff mean you can run it through the night, worry-free.
The humidifier consistently brought humidity levels from the 20's to the 40's, and we noticed improvement in congestion and dry throat while using it. The tank was easy to fill in the bathroom sink, and clean-up was straightforward. We ran the tank ten hours per night and only needed to refill it every three days.
As with all humidifiers that double as diffusers, you'll need to clean this one out a bit more thoroughly after adding essential oils to avoid buildup.
We used the VEVA Large Room Humidifier in our large master bedroom and were pleased with its effectiveness. It kept the room right at 45% humidity, which was just the right amount to alleviate nasal congestion during the dry winter months. We also appreciated a few of the model's features, such as the ability to direct the mist where you want and the option to turn the lights off at night.
We used the humidifier for about nine hours every night and only needed to refill the tank every three days. Setup and cleaning are straightforward, thanks to the simple design. The humidifier is also quiet at night and has an auto-shutoff feature. Even though it does a great job humidifying a large room, it doesn't take up a lot of space.
The humidifier does release quite a bit of mist, so you might want to put a waterproof mat down under it if you plan to run it for an extended length of time.
The Vicks 3-in-1 SleepyTime Humidifier only holds 8 cups of water, but that didn’t limit its ability to create more humidity than many others we tested. The design is attractive and fun, and we love the colorful night light, which features seven soothing colors. And as the name suggests, you can also use this humidifier as an essential oil diffuser, so you get three functions for a pretty modest price.
It took us less than a minute to set up this humidifier, and it created consistent increases in humidity levels on both low and high settings. It's also highly efficient: After running it for eight hours, it only lost about two cups of water, so it doesn't require frequent refills despite a smaller capacity. We gave this humidifier a perfect score for ease of cleaning. Simply pour two cups of white vinegar into the reservoir, soak for 20 minutes, then empty and rinse.
This humidifier wasn't quite as quiet as others we tried, but certainly not loud enough to disrupt our sleep.
After testing 30 humidifiers over the course of a year, we selected the Vicks EasyCare+Top Fill Filter-Free Cool Mist humidifier as our best overall product. It received nearly perfect scores across the board and outshone many other products we tried when it comes to noise level, ease of operation, and effectiveness. We'll keep testing new humidifiers and will update our list with any stand-out products as we try them out.
Our team of editors tested 30 products for three months at a time to bring you our list of the top 15. We included evaporative, ultrasonic, and vaporizer humidifiers in our testing process and scored the humidifiers using a weighted average for the following attributes: setup (5%), effectiveness (50%), design (15%), ease of cleaning (25%), and value (5%).
To create our list of humidifiers to review, we consulted with the following experts and used their expert advice to guide our research, review product specs, and help us make our final product selection:
There's no single best humidifier since everyone's needs are different, but there are some common features to consider while shopping around.
All humidifiers perform one essential role: They create more moisture in the air. One main difference is that some use heat to create moisture, while others utilize a cold mist, either by an ultrasonic vibrating plate or by a special fan found in the humidifier.
Warm mist humidifiers tend to be quieter than cool mist products, and the warmth can offer some comfort for conditions like allergies and asthma. Cool mist humidifiers, on the other hand, are more energy efficient and tend to be safer to use around young children, as no heat is used.
Some humidifiers are also intended to be used with medications or essential oils to relieve sore throats, coughs, congestion, and other symptoms.
A humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping ease the dryness in different areas. The result provides relief to dry skin, cracked lips, dry nasal passages, sore throats, and bloody noses, explains Morris Nejat. He adds that the more humidity emitted, the more it can ease breathing issues in people with allergies or a cold. Humidifiers can also help with dry skin, since the added moisture in the air can maintain and protect the skin barrier.
No matter which humidifier you use, Hall says regular cleaning is essential since it prevents potentially harmful bacteria from being expelled into the air (and no one wants that!). Always follow manufacturer cleaning instructions to determine the best maintenance practices.
We also tested the following humidifiers but ultimately decided not to include them in our list of recommendations. They fell short in our test when it came to technology and functionality, although some of their features could be a good fit for your particular needs:
Nejat says humidifiers are great for anyone who suffers from dry skin, cracked lips, dry nasal passages, a dry or sore throat, and/or bloody nose. A humidifier is especially important for those who use supplemental oxygen, according to Hall, who adds that people with sleep apnea who use a CPAP or APAP machine during sleep may also benefit from humidifier use.
Hall says humidifiers are great for the bedroom as that's where people spend the majority of their time in their homes. However, a humidifier can be used in any area of the home that is dry or where a person spends a lot of time, such as your office or living room. If your child suffers from allergies, asthma, or other conditions related to dry air, a humidifier is a safe and effective way to keep symptoms at bay.
Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, is an award-winning registered dietitian, freelance writer, and author. She earned her master’s degree from Rush University and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. She enjoys helping people understand complex health-related information in an approachable way.
Portable Humidifiers By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.