People who live in cold or dry climates are aware of how beneficial a small amount of humidity is for skin health. By releasing water vapor into the air, humidifiers can help provide extra moisture to your home and relieve dry skin, chapped lips, nosebleeds, and other dry weather symptoms.
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jessie Cheung, dry skin can have a compromised barrier function, making the skin more vulnerable to irritation and inflammation. Humidifiers can help avoid winter dermatitis. According to experts, having more moisture in the air also helps reduce the spread of bacteria in your home, which helps with allergies and fights off dry air-induced irritation of your skin, nasal passages, throat, and other areas. (However, remember that humidifiers need to be cleaned once a week to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.)
We interviewed professionals on the advantages of humidifiers, the various varieties that are available, and factors to take into account when purchasing one in order to assist you in choosing the ideal humidifier for your area.
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Best cool-mist humidifierEverlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier
$59.99$92.95Amazon
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Best warm-mist humidifierVicks Warm Mist Humidifier
$undefined$42.99Target
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Best budget humidifierPure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
$39.99$49.99Amazon
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Best high-end humidifierVenta LW25 Airwasher
$undefined$349.99Home Depot
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Types of humidifiers
According to our specialists, there are four primary types of humidifiers, each of which uses a unique technique to release either hot or cool moisture—or both—into the air.
Cool-mist humidifiers
By releasing a cool mist into the air, cool-mist humidifiers assist in reintroducing moisture into your house. Since these humidifiers usually have a fan, they may be a little noisier than warm-mist humidifiers. Evaporative and ultrasonic cool-mist humidifiers are the two primary varieties.
A fine mist that isn’t usually visible to the naked eye is produced by evaporative humidifiers. According to Cheung, there is no chance of burns with these humidifiers because they don’t have a heating element like warm-mist humidifiers do. They function by forcing air through a filter with a fan. To stop bacteria and mold from forming, the filter should be cleaned on a regular basis, and the fans might be noisy.
Ultrasonic humidifiers release water droplets into the air as a cool mist by using high-frequency sound vibrations that are inaudible to humans. To spread the mist across wide distances, they typically have a tiny fan. According to Cheung, she favors this sort of device because it doesn’t have a filter that needs to be changed. These devices are silent and don’t use heat, but they do need maintenance to keep them clear of mold and bacterial growth.
Warm-mist humidifiers
Warm-mist humidifiers, sometimes referred to as vaporizers, produce a warm mist by boiling water inside an internal heater and then releasing the steam into the atmosphere. They can somewhat warm the air in the winter and are usually quieter and less expensive than cool-mist humidifiers. Because steam vaporizers can grow quite hot, our experts advise customers to keep them away from children’s rooms and to avoid sitting too close to them.
How we picked the best humidifiers
The humidifier that you will use and maintain on a regular basis is the best. Our experts advise taking into account the following elements while looking for a new humidifier:
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Type
of humidifiers, including cool-mist humidifiers (ultrasonic and evaporative, which are ideal for dryness and can be good year-round) and warm-mist humidifiers (vaporizers, best for colder climates). -
Automatic shutoff
, which means the humidifier will automatically turn off after a predetermined period of time. -
Mold resistance
, a self-cleaning feature that helps prevent mold from forming in the water or the device itself. -
Tank size and speed settings
, which determine how long the humidifier can run before needing a refill. The tank size you need is also determined by the square footage of your room.
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The best products for humidifiers in 2025
All of the humidifiers included below are either well regarded choices with at least a 4-star average rating from 500 or more Amazon reviews, or they are suggestions from our experts and NBC Select staff.
Best overall cool-mist humidifier:
Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier
Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier
- Automatic shutoff
- Essential oil diffuser
- Compact design
- Can t be filled from top
This cool mist, ultrasonic humidifier is made to turn off on its own when it senses that the water supply is low. The machine can also be used as a diffuser to spread a relaxing aroma around your house thanks to the essential oil tray. You can use it in the living room or even a bedroom because it humidifies vast areas. Additionally, because it is tall and narrow, it doesn’t occupy a lot of space on a side table or counter. Additionally, 58,468 reviews have given it an average rating of 4.2 stars on Amazon.
Room size: up to 500 square feet; run time: up to 50 hours; water capacity: 1.6 gallons; automatic shutoff: yes
Best overall warm-mist humidifier:
Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier
Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier
- Helps with allergies
- Good for larger spaces
- Easy to fill
- Nothing to note at this time.
The Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier is designed to temporarily relieve cold symptoms and congestion by pumping out a warm mist into the air, according to the brand. It is made for medium- to big-sized spaces and has a large tank entrance for convenient filling. It has a 4-star average rating from 1,787 reviews at Target.
Water capacity: 1 gallon |Run time: Up to 24 hours |Room size: Up to 500 sq. ft. |Automatic shutoff: Yes
Editor s pick:
Fabuletta Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier
Fabuletta Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier
- Aromatherapy slot
- Transparent design
- Dual mist settings
- Not silent
NBC Select SEO editorNikki Brownruns this humidifier year-round in her apartment to combat the dry hair that typically affects her skin and hair. I love that this humidifier has both warm and cool settings so I can use during summer and winter, she says. Her favorite feature is the humidifier s back slot for aromatherapy, which she says releases a subtle yet effective scent after about an hour of use. I love putting a few drops of lavender into it before I go to bed, she says.
Water capacity:1.2 gallons|Run time:Up to 45 hours|Room size:Up to 580 sq. ft.|Automatic shutoff:Yes
Best affordable ultrasonic humidifier:
Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
- Lightweight
- Includes nightlight
- Transparent design
- Smaller capacity
This humidifier s lightweight design slightly under 1.5 pounds makes it ideal for tighter, cozier spaces, according to the brand, such as a small bedroom or home office. The top of the humidifier is also transparent, so you can always see the water level without worrying about it running out abruptly. It includes a nightlight to help create a more soothing sleep environment, according to Pure Enrichment, and a 4.4-star average rating from more than 103,000 reviews on Amazon.
Water capacity:0.4 gallons|Run time:Up to 25 hours|Room size:Up to 250 sq. ft.|Automatic shutoff:Yes
Best affordable evaporative humidifier:
Vicks Starry Night Cool Moisture Humidifier
Vicks Starry Night Cool Moisture Humidifier
- Antimicrobial filter
- Adjustable settings
- Projector display
- Nothing to note at this time.
If you re looking for a cool-mist humidifier to put in your child s room, this budget-friendly Vicks model might be a good option. It has an antimicrobial filter that removes impurities to prevent white dust in hard water areas, according to Cheung. The humidifier has a changing light, adjustable mist settings and a transparent top. Plus, it has the bonus of a relaxing starry sky projector, she says.
Water capacity: 1 gallon |Run time: 24 hours |Room size: Up to 400 sq. ft. |Automatic shutoff: No
Best cool-mist humidifier for large rooms:
Levoit LV600HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier
Levoit LV600HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier
- Dual temperatures
- Big tank
- Remote included
- Better for large spaces
This ultrasonic humidifier from Levoit includes dual-temperature control, which means you can set a cool or warm temperature. It also comes with a remote that lets you turn the humidifier on and off, as well as control mist levels. It has a large tank and provides humidistats to avoid over-humidification, says Cheung. The humidifier also has a transparent water tank and functions relatively quietly, according to the brand. Since it covers such large areas, you could use this one for your entire home or apartment.
Water capacity:1.6 gallons|Run time:Up to 50 hours|Room size:Up to 753 sq. ft.|Automatic shutoff:Yes
Best portable humidifier:
CVS Health Portable Humidifier
CVS Health Portable Ultrasonic Humidifier
- Lightweight design
- Affordable price
- Small capacity
If you re looking for a humidifier to take with you on-the-go, this portable option is about the size and weight of an empty wine bottle. I ve had it for years at this point, and it s a very good budget option, says NBC Select associate updates editorZoe Malin, who uses it at night during wintertime. Due to its compact water tank, it doesn t have the capacity to produce vapor all night long, she notes. However, it s just enough that the air is not super dry, which is all I need, she says.
Water capacity:About 0.2 gallons|Run time:Under 8 hours|Room size:Under 400 sq.ft.|Automatic shutoff:No
Best smart ultrasonic humidifier:
Levoit 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier
Levoit 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier
- App compatibility
- Top-fill design
- Scheduling settings
- Nothing to note at this time
This top-fill humidifier from Levoit is a great option for large rooms at a decent price point, according to our experts. CNBC Select editorBenji Stawskisays he loves being able to control it directly from his phone using the brand s VeSync App and set it on the specific schedule he wants. You can also use voice assistants like Amazon Alexa to adjust its settings, including its humidity level and sleep timer.
Water capacity: 1.6 gallons|Run time: Up to 60 hours|Room size: Up to 505 sq. ft.|Automatic shutoff: Yes
Best high-end ultrasonic humidifier:
Homvana Warm and Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier
Homvana Warm and Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier
- Remote included
- Dual mist
- Aroma box
- Best for larger spaces
Multiple experts recommend the Homvana because it can be controlled via the included remote you can adjust the device to release warm or cool mist and control the humidity level. Plus, it can add 10% of moisture into the air in just 13 minutes, according to the brand. It also has a built-in aroma box so essential oils can be added.
Water capacity: 1.7 gallons |Run time: Up to 1.2 hours|Room size: Up to 861 sq. ft. |Automatic shutoff: Yes
Best high-end evaporative humidifier:
Venta LW25 Airwasher
Venta LW25 Airwasher
- Auto shutoff
- Energy-efficient
- Not transparent
If you re ready to invest in a more robust option, the Venta LW25 Airwasher can help maintain a 40% to 60% humidity level in your home, according to the brand. The automatic shutoff feature also makes this filter-free model an energy-efficient option. The Venta LW25 has a 4.1-star average rating from over 1,026 reviews at Amazon.
Water capacity: 2 gallons |Run time: Up to 10 hours |Room size: Up to 430 square feet |Automatic shutoff: Yes
Best ultrasonic facial humidifier:
Hey Dewy Wireless Facial Humidifier
Hey Dewy Wireless Facial Humidifier
- Wireless
- Rechargeable battery
- LED light
- For facial use
A favorite of NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson, theHey Dewy Facial Humidifiercan help hydrate your face throughout the day. It s both wireless and rechargeable, so you can take it with you while . It also offers continuous and intermittent mist settings, as well as a soft LED light to keep next to your nightstand.
Water capacity: 12.4 oz. |Run time: Up to 8 hours |Room size: Under 400 sq. ft. |Automatic shutoff: No
Best two-in-one warm-mist humidifier and steam inhaler:
Crane 2-in-1 Personal Steam Inhaler & Warm Mist Humidifier
Crane 2-in-1 Personal Steam Inhaler & Warm Mist Humidifier
- Very lightweight
- Inhaler attachment
- Warm mist only
This humidifier weighs 2.2 pounds, making it one of the most lightweight options on this list. It also comes with a personal steam inhaler for cough and cold that you can set up by replacing the humidifier tank with the included inhaler attachment, according to the brand. This model can heat water up to 131 degrees to produce a warm mist, according to the brand. The Crane humidifier has a 4.2-star average rating from 2,900 reviews on Amazon.
Water capacity: 0.5 gallons |Run time: Up to 8 hours |Room size: Up to 250 sq. ft. |Automatic shutoff: Yes
Best affordable warm-mist humidifier:
Honeywell HWM845 Warm Mist Humidifier
Honeywell HWM845 Warm Mist Humidifier
- Very quiet
- Affordable price
- Transparent design
- Must be cleaned often
Cheung says this warm-mist humidifier is especially quiet because it doesn t have a fan although users may hear the sound of bubbling water. There s also no costly filters to replace, but it s important to clean the mineral scale from a warm-mist humidifier to keep it running, she says.
Water capacity: 1 gallon |Run time: Up to 24 hours |Room size: Up to 270 sq. ft. |Automatic shutoff: Yes
How to shop for a new humidifier
Whether you re looking for your first humidifier or want to upgrade your current model, our experts highlight the different types of humidifiers, along with several features to keep in mind below.
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Type of humidifier:
Humidifiers come in two main types: cool-mist humidifiers (evaporative and ultrasonic) and warm-mist humidifiers (vaporizer). The one you choose depends on your own space and needs. For instance, warm-mist humidifier models are best if you live in a cold but very dry climate; a cool-mist humidifier is best for people who live in a warm but arid environment.. -
Automatic shutoff:
Self-regulating humidifiers can automatically turn off. This avoids putting too much moisture in the air, which can speed the growth of mold and mildew, says Cheung. -
Mold resistance:
Any mold that forms within the water or machine can disperse into the air, so this feature helps keep the water clean. However, even with mold-resistant humidifiers, it is imperative to clean them at least once weekly to avoid buildup, our experts say. -
Tank size and speed settings:
The size of the tank and the different speed settings can affect how long the humidifier can run before needing a refill, as well as the size of the room it can rehydrate. Portable units range in size from one liter to six gallons. A two-gallon humidifier will usually run for 12 or more hours on low, but a one-liter humidifier will require refilling every eight hours or so. -
Room size:
The size of your humidifier largely depends on the size of your room, according to our experts. For smaller rooms under 400 square feet, a humidifier with up to 1.5 gallons is sufficient. For a medium room between 400 and 1,000 square feet, a tank size between one and three gallons is needed. A large room of over 1,000 square feet should have a humidifier with a tank size of more than three gallons. -
Multiple uses:
In addition to adding moisture into the air, some humidifier models are also able to purify the air, diffuseessential oils
through a separate chamber and work with a nebulizer attachment.
Frequently asked questions
Humidifiers help maintain a certain range of humidity or moisture in specific rooms or throughout your entire home. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends maintaining indoor relative humiditybetween 30% and 60%(below 50%, ideally) to avoid the potential of mold growth. When it comes to comfort, theAmerican Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineerssays the humidity level in your home should remain below 65%. According to theMayo Clinic, low humidity can cause dry skin, irritate your nasal passages and throat and make your eyes itchy, while high humidity can make your home feel stuffy and cause condensation on surfaces, prompting the growth of harmful and irritating bacteria and mold.
Other than regulating your home s humidity and aiding in the above preventative measures, our experts say humidifiers have a variety of other wellness benefits that many find worth the investment.
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Humidifiers can help keep skin looking younger.
A humidifier can prevent flaky skin and help get it glowing again, according toDr. Debra Jaliman,
a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. The added moisture from a humidifier also helps your skin from looking aged. Fine lines and wrinkles look more prominent when your skin is dry, she says.
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They help calm irritated skin.
Jaliman notes that the added moisture released into the air can be soothing for itchy and inflamed skin. -
They might help relieve allergy symptoms.
Humidifiers can help those who tend to get a bloody nose from dryness and allergies, says Jaliman.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
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Dr. Jessie Cheung
is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Cheung Aesthetics & Wellness.
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Dr. Debra Jaliman
is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Why trust NBC Select?
Mili Godiois an editor at NBC Select who covers a variety of home and kitchen products, includingspace heaters,washable rugsandlaundry stain removers.
Ashley Morrisis an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select; Lauren Levy is a former NBC Select contributor. For this article, they spoke to two dermatologists about the benefits of humidifiers, including tips on how to shop for the best ones. They also compiled their recommendations, along with top picks from NBC Select staff.
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