The 4 Best Humidifiers - Fall 2024

The Carepod One is the best humidifier we've tested. This high-end ultrasonic cool-mist unit produces an impressive amount of moisture, more than enough for medium-sized spaces like living rooms or larger bedrooms. However, its main attraction is its easy-to-clean design: the Carepod One has only five main components to wash. Except for its oscillator, all are dishwasher safe, and unlike most other humidifiers, there are no tight crevices or hard-to-reach spots. It's also incredibly quiet and efficient, though both elements aren't uncommon in ultrasonic humidifiers.

Unfortunately, there's no getting around the fact that this is a pretty pricey device, especially considering the relative scarcity of extra features. There's no integrated humidistat that would allow the unit to adjust its mist level in real-time and no Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can't control the unit while you're away from home. Its max runtime of approximately ten hours is also on the shorter end of the scale, though on the upside, it does have an auto-off function that'll turn the humidifier off once its tank is empty.

Check out the Levoit LV600S if you're shopping at a slightly lower price point. Compared to the relatively spartan Carepod, the Levoit is positively bursting at the seams with features. It has a built-in humidistat, which allows you to input your desired humidity level and have the device try to maintain it, Wi-Fi connectivity allowing full remote operation and monitoring through the VeSync companion app, and an essential oils tray for a scented mist. Then there's the fact that this is a hybrid ultrasonic and steam humidifier capable of outputting cool or warm mist and helpful for hot and dry or cold and dry environments, respectively. Its humidification capacity is also even higher than the Carepod model's, allowing it to efficiently add moisture to large spaces.

However, there's one big downside: its difficult-to-clean design. There are almost 20 different components you'll have to wash periodically, none of which are dishwasher safe. There are plenty of tight crevices and hard-to-reach spots, too, with some requiring a very thin sponge or a thin toothbrush.

If you're shopping for a considerably cheaper way of getting rid of dry air in your home, the Vicks V3900 is among the best humidifiers we've tested. This compact unit isn't quite as easy to clean or as efficient as the Carepod One or nearly as feature-packed as the Levoit LV600S. That said, it has advantages that go beyond its budget-friendly price tag. The Vicks can run for almost 30 hours with a full tank, so you can leave it alone while you're away without worrying that it'll run out of water. That substantial runtime is a good thing, too, as this model lacks an auto-off function for when its tank runs out.

This humidifier's capacity falls behind pricier alternatives, and it might struggle to efficiently humidify especially large areas like open-concept apartments or living spaces. It's still well-suited to most bedrooms, offices, or college dorms. As mentioned earlier, it's slightly basic in features but not completely barren. You can toggle between three different misting modes, and there's even a UV light bulb to help minimize bacteria and mold buildup within its water tank. Like many other Vicks humidifiers, you can add Vicks VapoPads for a scented mist. If you want a budget-friendly alternative with a wider array of features and don't mind losing some capacity, the Crane Droplet is a good option, too.

If you're interested in a warm-mist humidifier but don't want or need any of the added functionality of the higher-end hybrid Levoit LV600S, consider the Vicks V750. This humidifier has an easy-to-clean design, with roughly half of its component pieces being dishwasher-safe and saving you a bit of effort when cleaning it out. Despite its relatively compact footprint, its humidification capacity is impressive, and it'll do just fine within larger living rooms or open-concept apartments. While it's a little noisier than the other cool-mist units above, it's still fairly quiet overall and won't be much of a disturbance if you leave it running while you're sleeping or if you have it on while watching TV or listening to music.

While it lacks a humidistat and Wi-Fi connectivity, it still has a few added convenience features. If you want a scented mist, add Vicks VapoPads to the built-in tray and a liquid inhalant to the medicine cup. This model also has an automatic off function to cut power once its tank is empty.