How to shop a humidifier — plus how often you should clean it

Those who live in dry or frigid climates know that a little humidity goes a long way for the skin. Humidifiers can help introduce more moisture into your home by emitting water vapor into the air, which helps alleviate dry skin, chapped lips, nosebleeds and other dry-weather conditions.

“Dry skin can have an impaired barrier function, making the skin more prone to irritation and inflammation — humidifiers help prevent winter dermatitis,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jessie Cheung. More moisture in the air also helps slow down the transmission of microbes in your home — which helps with allergies — and combats irritation of your skin, nasal passages, throat and more due to dry air, according to experts. (But keep in mind, humidifiers require weekly cleaning to avoid build up of mold and bacteria.)

To help you determine the best humidifier for your space, we spoke to experts about the benefits of humidifiers, the different types available and what to consider when shopping for one.

SKIP AHEAD Types of humidifiers | How we picked the best humidifiers | The best humidifiers in 2025 | How to shop for a new humidifier | Why trust NBC Select?

Types of humidifiers

There are four main types of humidifiers, each using a different method to produce hot or cool moisture (or both) into the air, according to our experts.

Cool-mist humidifiers

Cool-mist humidifiers help reintroduce moisture into your home by pumping a cool mist into the air. These humidifiers can be a bit noisier than warm-mist humidifiers as they typically contain a fan. There are two main types of cool-mist humidifiers: evaporative and ultrasonic.

Evaporative humidifiers create a very fine mist that isn’t always visible to the human eye. Unlike warm-mist humidifiers, these humidifiers have no heating element, so there is no risk of burns, says Cheung. They work by using a fan to blow air through a filter. However, the fans can be noisy, and the filter should be cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria and mold from growing.

Ultrasonic humidifiers use high-frequency sound vibrations outside the human hearing range to expel water droplets into the air as a cool mist. They usually have a small fan to disperse the mist over large areas. “These devices don’t use heat and are quiet, but do require maintenance to keep them free of mold and bacterial overgrowth,” says Cheung, adding that she prefers this type because it doesn’t have a filter that needs to be replaced.

Warm-mist humidifiers

Warm-mist humidifiers — also known as vaporizers — have an internal heater that boils the water before releasing it into the air as steam, creating a warm mist. They’re typically more affordable and quieter than cool-mist humidifiers, and they can slightly warm up the air in the wintertime. Our experts say users should avoid sitting too close to steam vaporizers and avoid putting them in children’s rooms since they can get very hot.

How we picked the best humidifiers

The best humidifier is the one that you will use and maintain regularly. When shopping for a new humidifier, our experts say to consider the following factors:

• 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 below are either recommendations from our experts, NBC Select staff, or are top-rated options with at least a 4-star average rating from 500 or more reviews on Amazon. .

Best overall cool-mist humidifier: Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier

This cool mist, ultrasonic humidifier is designed to automatically shut off when the device detects it has run out of water. The essential oil tray also lets the machine double as a diffuser to add a pleasant scent throughout your home. Since it humidifies large spaces, you can use it in a bedroom or even the living room. It’s also slim and tall, which means it doesn’t take up too much surface area on a counter or side table. Plus, it has a 4.2-star average rating from 58,468 reviews on Amazon.

Water capacity: 1.6 gallons | Run time: Up to 50 hours | Room size: Up to 500 sq. ft. | Automatic shutoff: Yes

Best overall warm-mist humidifier: Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier

What we like

• Helps with allergies
• Good for larger spaces
• Easy to fill

Something to note

• 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 comes with a large tank opening for easy filling and is designed for medium- to large-sized rooms. 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

What we like

• Aromatherapy slot
• Transparent design
• Dual mist settings

NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown runs 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

What we like

• Lightweight
• Includes nightlight
• Transparent design

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

What we like

• Antimicrobial filter
• Adjustable settings
• Projector display

Something to note

• 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

What we like

• Dual temperatures
• Big tank
• Remote included

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

What we like

• Lightweight design
• Affordable price

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 editor Zoe 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

What we like

• App compatibility
• Top-fill design
• Scheduling settings

Something to note

• 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 editor Benji Stawski says 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

What we like

• Remote included
• Dual mist
• Aroma box

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

What we like

• Auto shutoff
• Energy-efficient

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

What we like

• Wireless
• Rechargeable battery
• LED light

A favorite of NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson, the Hey Dewy Facial Humidifier can 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

What we like

• Very lightweight
• Inhaler attachment

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

What we like

• Very quiet
• Affordable price
• Transparent design

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