Humidifiers

What's behind our humidifier Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 16 models in humidifiers to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Overall score is the weighted score, out of a possible 100 points, from the additive weighted averages of the test results.
Output
Output is based on the number of gallons emitted daily per square foot of the recommended humidification area.
Convenience
Convenience is the ease of operating and maintaining a unit.
Noise
Noise is based on the sound level, in decibels, at the unit’s highest operating setting.
Efficiency
Efficiency is the energy, in Watt-hours, required to emit a gallon of water into the air.
Hard Water
Hard water is the percentage of the output filled with tap water a unit produces when filled with hard water.

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Humidifier user reviews

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Recommended humidifiers

Recommended humidifiers are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended humidifiers

Humidifier buying guide

To find the humidifier that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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Buying guide video

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Why shop here?

In addition to finding Ratings for the latest models, you can now shop online using an ad-free interface where you can buy humidifiers in a safe-shopping environment.

Learn more about our Price & Shop program

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Choosing among the three major types of humidifiers-tabletop, console, and in duct-involves trade-offs in efficiency, noise, and convenience. Primary considerations include the size of the space you need to humidify and how much you're willing to spend. If you're looking for information about humidifiers, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ humidifier reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our humidifier buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and humidifier reviews to help you choose the best humidifier for your needs.

Ratings & recommended humidifiers

Humidifiers (16)

Recommended focuses on models that blend performance and value and minimize the trade-offs among efficiency, cost, noise, and convenience inherent in choosing a humidifier.

Humidifier buying guide

Ideally, indoor humidity should be 30 to 50 percent. But without humidification, that level can drop to 10 percent in winter, because cold air holds less moisture and dries even more as it's heated.

Today's humidifiers have improved over some earlier models, which spewed white dust in our tests. But tabletop and console models still require frequent maintenance. Minerals in tap water can cause an accumulation of scale, a breeding ground for bacteria. Parts of the humidifier need to be descaled regularly with vinegar and disinfected ... Read more

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