Dry Skin and Chapped Lips Have Nothing on the Best Humidifiers

Whatever ails you during winter’s more brutal months—chapped lips, eczema, allergies—one small, simple item may be the solution: a humidifier. Both of the board-certified dermatologists we spoke to (Dr. Morgan Rabach and Dr. Anthony Rossi) agree that those who stand to benefit the most from this handy machine are those who seasonally suffer from dry nose, dry cough, or dry eyes. That’s because it’s designed to combat the lack of moisture in the air caused by the weather and exacerbated by your heating system. But with a myriad of options to mull over, how to decide which one to restore your home’s moisture levels? We’re of the mindset that the best humidifiers are not only low-lift (think: auto functions and other buzzy tech features like a built-in essential oil diffuser) but don’t necessarily stick out like a high-tech sore thumb either. Our favorite picks, below, will help you survive the chillier months ahead while simultaneously blending in with your surrounding decor on a shelf or side table.

Our Favorites

• Best sculptural: Vitruvi Cloud Cool Mist Humidifier
• Best aromatic: Canopy Humidifier Bundles
• Best value: Crane Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
• Best easy to use: Honeywell Cool Mist Humidifier HUL430
• Best easy to clean: Symdral 4L Cool Mist Humidifier
• Best splurge: Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool PH03
• Best smart: Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier
• Best quiet: Homech Cool Mist Humidifier 6L

Best Sculptural: Vitruvi Cloud Cool Mist Humidifier

Weight: 3.46 pounds | Colors: White, sand | Number of settings: 4 | Capacity: 1.5 liters

Cloud Cool Mist Humidifier, Vitruvi ($229)

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Why we chose it: Looks more like art (and not at all like an appliance).

At first glance, you might mistake Vitruvi’s ultrasonic humidifier for an objet or ceramic piece. Its sculptural exterior, surprising construction of BPA-free and recycled plastic, and aesthetic appeal aren’t the only reasons it comes so well reviewed. While on the small side, offering a capacity of just 1.5 liters of water, it is compact enough to sit out on a nightstand but still fully capable of adding moisture back into a room up to 600 square feet thanks to a 360-degree rotating spout. If you’re worried about its illuminated buttons preventing a restful sleep, however, Night Mode shuts all the lights off so you can snooze without any distractions, considering all of the five misting outputs hum at a whisper-quiet 26.8 decibels. We’re also big fans of the fact that its reservoir is fully removable and dishwasher safe. “Use it for one night and you will be hooked. It is beautiful, quiet, and gives out the moisture you skin didn’t know it needed,” one reviewer writes. “Its sleek and elegant design seamlessly blends with my home decor, adding a touch of sophistication to any room,” another points out.

Best Aromatic: Canopy Humidifier Bundles

Bedside Humidifier, Canopy ($150)

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Weight: Varies | Colors: White, moonstruck, cream, pink, green, blue | Number of settings: Varies | Capacity: 2.5 liters to 5.5 liters

Why we chose it: A humidifier and diffuser in one.

This sleek machine is a favorite among wellness fanatics, thanks to its steamless system and waterless diffuser. Aside from the six palatable color choices, this larger unit is sold as three different models: a bedside and nursery size (both cover rooms up to 500 square feet) and the Plus, which covers spaces up to 1,000 square feet. But aside from hydrating users, this humidifier earns bonus points for including an essential-oil tray. In fact, you bundle your purchase together with a subscription to kits and exclusive fragrances. All you have to do is add five to eight drops of pure essential oils onto the aroma puck for the cent to naturally evaporate into the air free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, mineral oils, and synthetic dyes. “Scents are usually too strong for me, but the Lull and Arise are perfect,” one shopper shares. Another adds it is subtle and reminiscent of walking into a luxurious hotel lobby. And another was so impressed, they bought two more for other rooms in their home.

Best Value: Crane Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

Weight: 4 pounds | Color: White | Number of settings: Varies | Capacity: 1 gallon 

Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier, Amazon ($40 was $60)

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Why we chose it: Affordable and compact with an adjustable top.

A small humidifier that packs a punch, this ultrasonic option from Crane is beloved by many (including our deputy editor, Julie Vadnal) for what the brand calls its “whisper quiet” effect and multiple color options, making it a strong choice for kids’ and adults’ bedrooms alike. The process of refilling and cleaning the water tank is pretty turnkey, but it’s the air nozzle that’s particularly useful: It’s an adjustable 360-degree lid that allows you to choose where to direct the mist flow. 

Worth considering, though: There is a small green “on” light that might bother those who prefer a pitch-black room or kids who might find it distracting while falling asleep.

Best Easy to Use: Honeywell Designer Series Cool Mist Humidifier

Weight: 5 pounds | Color: White | Number of settings: Varies | Capacity: 1.25 gallons 

Honeywell Designer Series Cool Mist Humidifier, PUR ($72)

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Why we chose it: Simple to use (and a breeze to keep clean).

The variable output setting on this easy-to-use option lets you adjust the mist via a metal control wheel; leave it on low and one water fill-up lasts a full 24 hours. There’s a window with three lighting options so you can see when your reservoir is ready for a refill (red), and the unit will automatically shut off when empty, which is quite handy. Plus the design comes with an essential-oil tray for those who want to add a calming aroma to the room.

There’s also no need for a filter, and while this eliminates tedious filter maintenance, it also means you’ll need to use filtered water and be diligent about cleaning your water tank to avoid mold and air contamination. (Note: If you use tap water, it’s possible that white dust will form on surfaces around your humidifier due to the minerals in the water.) Our editors recommend tossing in one of these cleaning balls to help with the process.

Best Easy to Clean: Symdral 4L Cool Mist Mumidifier

Weight: 4.3 pounds | Color: White | Number of settings: Varies | Capacity: 4 liters

4L Cool Mist Humidifier, Symdral ($43)

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Why we chose it: Designed for quick and thorough cleanings.

As a devoted humidifier user, there’s one thing Domino’s deputy photo editor, Andie Diemer, could not enjoy less: the inevitable cleaning routine. Enter Symdral’s cool-mist humidifier. “This one has been a game changer for me—not only does it hold more water than any other humidifier I’ve owned (which means fewer refill trips), but it’s also designed with an inlet that is large enough to put your hand into, so you can actually clean the inside.” She adds that it’s silent and has no lights, so it’s a safe bet for a bedroom, and it has an outlet that can point mist in any direction.

The kicker, she says, is “a small brush that lives inside the base, which is clutch for thoroughly cleaning all the nooks, and it never gets lost since you can stick it back in the unit until the next cleaning.” Sign us up. 

Best Splurge: Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool PH03

Weight: 18 pounds | Color: Black/nickel | Number of settings: 10 | Capacity: 1 gallon 

Purifier Humidify+Cool PH03, Dyson ($900)

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Why we chose it: This is the Cadillac of humidifiers. 

It doesn’t fall under the umbrella of affordable, no, but it’s a home investment with a whole lot to offer. A purifier, humidifier, and fan all in one, this Dyson model has integrated sensors that analyze your air in real time and displays these live diagnostics on a LCD screen. The HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in size and also removes odors and gasses. As far as the humidifier goes, there’s an ultraviolet cleanse technology inside that gets rid of bacteria in the water, and you can get up to 36 hours of humidification off of a 1-gallon tank. 

The machine has a monthly deep-clean cycle that can be activated by pressing a button and following the step-by-step process; it also signals when it’s time to change the combination filter. Other smart features include voice control, so you can use it with services like Amazon Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant.

Best Smart: Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier

Weight: 4.3 pounds | Color: White/gray | Number of settings: 4 | Capacity: 6 liters

Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier, Levoit ($70 was $80)

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Why we chose it: Fun features galore.

At its core, a humidifier is meant to add moisture to the air. But this model takes it up a notch with a broad swath of features, including smart control, voice command, auto and sleep modes, aromatherapy, and optional nightlight. The top-fill design makes adding more water especially effortless, and the cool mist can cover an approximately 500-square-foot room. Also, thanks to ultrasonic humidification technology, it’s very quiet. 

The only potential drawback is the square-shaped tank, which might be harder to find a location for than a round model.

Best Quiet: Homech Cool Mist Humidifier 6L

Weight: 5.24 pounds | Color: White | Number of settings: Varies | Capacity: 6 liters

Cool Mist Humidifier, Homech ($27 was $60)

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Why we chose it: A silent pick well suited for kids and light sleepers.

If you’re worried about a humidifier keeping you up at night, this cool-mist option uses patent-pending technology that reduces noise to 26 decibels. The water lasts for 20 to 60 hours on a full tank and can humidify rooms between 215 and 430 square feet. There’s a dial that allows you to control the mist levels, and when it’s time to refill the water, a 3.54-inch “water inlet” makes that process all the easier.

More potentially useful details? The optional nightlight, plus a water gauge LED light that can be turned on and off (the light will turn red when the tank is empty and automatically shut off).  

More Humidifiers We Love

How We Chose These Products

First, we consulted with two medical experts to get more context on why humidifiers are important and compiled a list of the various characteristics that can make this purchase particularly useful, including smart technology, auto features, and mist run time. After researching dozens of models and doing a final quality check, we edited our list down to the machines that also offered the sleekest, least clunky design. If a humidifier is going to be a daily fixture in your room, you’ll want it to blend in, right?

Our Shopping Checklist

Design

The design for most humidifiers involves a water tank and a base of some kind. Beyond those basics is where function and form can hit their stride. Beginning from the top, a couple of design details to look out for include wider openings (to make water refills more effortless) and spouts that can rotate (to allow more flexibility when choosing where to direct the mist). As for water tanks, shapes can range from the standard round and rectangular to bolder silhouettes resembling water drops or even animals for the kid set. Generally speaking, these water tanks hold around 1 to 1.5 gallons of water. Finally, LCD screens and other settings are located on the base of most machines to help you personalize your humidification process.

Cool vs. Warm Mist

Many of the humidifiers on our list are cool-mist ultrasonic humidifiers. However, there are models that offer warm mist and those that offer cool mist through ultrasonic or evaporative technology. Warm mist can be good for reducing bacteria and an overall quieter experience since there’s no fan. However, warm steam can pose a burn threat, particularly for young children. As for cool mist, ultrasonic is the quieter of the two, and cleaning is typically very easy. However, these models are more likely to contaminate the air if not cared for properly, so cleaning regularly and using distilled water is key. Evaporative humidifiers use a wick or a filter with a fan to pump water vapor into the air; they’re usually not quite as quiet and require more filter maintenance, but they’re better at preventing bacteria growth. 

Size

To figure out what size humidifier to get, consider how large your room is and how much space you have for the actual unit. Most options store around a gallon of water and can be conveniently placed somewhere like a bedside table or bookshelf, while others—like the Dyson model—are larger and can be positioned in the corner of a room.

Adjustments and Settings

As mentioned above, some humidifiers have LCD screens, while others function with a settings wheel or switch. These typically allow you to choose how little or how much mist to humidify your room with, and some designs also have an auto option that analyzes your room’s humidity levels in real time. Another component to look out for is run time per water refill. The options above range from 24 to 36 hours, usually when the humidifier is running at its lowest speed. If you don’t want to constantly refill your water tank, opt for a humidifier that’s more efficient, and only leave it on when your room’s humidity levels are lacking. 

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning is nonnegotiable when it comes to using a humidifier. “Anytime you have stagnant water, this can breed mold, mildew, and bacteria,” Rossi explains. As a rule of thumb, you should be cleaning your humidifier about once a week. Consult the manual for your humidifier’s specific cleaning instructions, but a generally good method is to unplug the device, empty any remaining water, fill the base with a cup of distilled water and a cup of white vinegar, and allow this mixture to sit for around an hour. Meanwhile, fill the water tank with undiluted white vinegar (a couple of cups should work), seal it closed, and rigorously shake for a few minutes. Empty both base and tank, rinse with water, and allow them to air-dry.

Ask Domino

Q: What size space can a regular humidifier cover?

Humidifiers are used in an enclosed space. Each model will indicate what room size it’s best suited for, but most standard-size humidifiers can cover up to 400 or 500 square feet.

Q: My walls are pretty thin. Are humidifiers loud?

They shouldn’t be. Many humidifiers on the market use ultrasonic humidification, which tends to be quieter than evaporative humidification. Some brands will list the sound dB (decibel), while others might include a sound patent that illustrates how quiet their products can be—all good details to look for when researching your options.

Q: Is it okay to leave a humidifier on all day?

Maybe take some breaks. While it’s not dangerous, per se, to leave a humidifier on all day, there’s a chance you could increase the humidity above desired levels (which is between 30% and 50% humidity, Rabach notes). Doing this increases the chance of things like mold and mildew and can actually make it more difficult to breathe. Plus the longer you leave your humidifier on, the more frequently you’ll need to refill the water.

The Last Word

As Rossi puts it: “Humidifiers are a best-kept secret” for all sorts of winter woes. Whether you have dry skin, seasonal allergies, or year-round eczema, these devices are effective at moisturizing the air and aiding with the above symptoms, he adds. We love the idea of improving our skin and breathing better, and this small ritual of flipping on a humidifier each day (or auto-programming it to turn on just before bedtime) feels like a supremely soothing form of self-care.