Humidity—the amount of water vapor in the air—is often spoken of as a negative. And in hotter climates, high humidity can be incredibly debilitating. It makes the home or office feel incredibly stuffy, and can lead to condensation, which, left unattended, is a breeding ground for bacteria, moulds & dust mites. While the best air purifier appliances can help with the latter, a degree of humidity is essential for your health, and getting the balance right is why you might need to consider shopping for the best humidifier.

Generally speaking, as indicated above, humidity levels are higher in the summer or in hot climates, and much lower during the winter months. The ideal humidity measure is somewhere between 30 and 50 percent, according to the Mayo Clinic. Air of less than 30 percent humidity is likely to cause dry skin, irritate the nasal passages and throat, and make the eyes itchy, so therefore, low humidity can be just as culpable as excess humidity in respiratory problems or the flaring up of asthma or allergies.

The best humidifier appliances tackle the low humidity problem by adding moisture to the air, thereby eliminating dryness, and helping with uncomfortable symptoms such as dry skin, chapped lips and dry sinuses, as well as tackling wrinkles, winter colds and even mildew.

Some humidifiers are made to the ‘less is more’ criteria, with a focus on technology that will maximise a customisable, adjustable flow of evaporative mist into the bedroom and other areas of the home or workspace where it is needed the most. Others double as aroma diffusers, using essential oils, such as the URPOWER Ultrasonic Aroma or the Vicks Warm V745A, while still others, like the hOmeLabs HME020005N provide a multiplicity of air purification options.

 

Best Humidifier Review

Our team undertook a thorough survey of the humidifiers on the market, subjecting them to testing for energy efficiency, features, user-friendliness and other factors, and identified the following eight as the best humidifier appliances available currently.

 

Best Humidifier Brand Name & Model	Check Price
URPOWER Ultrasonic Aroma >	Check Price >
MistAire Ultrasonic >	Check Price >
Vicks Warm V745A >	Check Price >
URPOWER MH501 >	Check Price >
TaoTronics TT-AH001 >	Check Price >
Honeywell HUL520W >	Check Price >
Honeywell HCM350W >	Check Price >
hOmeLabs HME020005N >	Check Price >

 

 

1. Best Humidifier for Small Spaces – URPOWER Ultrasonic Aroma

The second generation URPOWER Ultrasonic Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser is of an ideal power and functionality to provide moistened, comfortable air for small rooms such as bedrooms, hotel rooms, small offices and even cubicles in workplaces. It’s also a stylishly designed cool mist humidifier appliance. And just a drop of essential oil in the water will give your space exactly the scent you want for it.

Among the user-friendly and attractive features of this oil diffuser are seven colour-changing lamps that can be configured to your choice, a night-light facility, programmable humidifying cycles, and an automatic shut-off feature that ensures the device will be protected when it runs out of water. It’s a robust unit of tough plastic, with a maximum working time of up to six hours. It can provide either a continuous or intermittent supply of mist, and its whisper-quiet operation ensures your sleep will be uninterrupted.

Amazon Customer Reviews: 28,377
Average Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

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URPOWER Ultrasonic Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser – Performance, Efficiency & Safety

This is the last word in holistic wellbeing. Even when it’s not being used as an essential oil diffuser or humidifier, the unit can be used as an attractive color-changing desk lamp, with a cycle of seven colored lights, or even a programmable nightlight (the device facilitates programmable on/off cycles) to help you over to sleep at night.

But what about its overall performance? The only things that mar this unit are that the compact size, especially the 100ml water tank, mean that it is limited to small rooms or bedrooms or nurseries only. If you’re looking for humidified air with a note of essential oil, but want to stay with the URPOWER brand, you’d be better off going with larger units from the same company, with tanks of 500ml and larger.

It’s a pretty flawless operator, and it even has an all-important automatic shut off, meaning that the device will be safe even if and when it runs out of water during a cycle, while the adjustable mist settings are particularly welcome, particularly with regard to the product’s one weak link — the water tank. Not only is it quite small, and so won’t run for more than six hours, and even then on intermittent mode; but it’s also quite difficult to open.

URPOWER Ultrasonic Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser - Performance, Efficiency & Safety
Rating Voltage	240V
Frequency	60Hz
Ultrasonic Technology	2.4mHz
Water Tank Capacity	100ml
Run Time per Tank	Up to 6 hours (on intermittent mode)
Humidifying Capacity	Up to 350 square feet
Noise Level	No precise decibel level, but unobtrusive and whisper-quiet.

 

URPOWER Ultrasonic Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser – Design & Convenience

The URPOWER Ultrasonic Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser is as light as a feather, and not much larger than an iPhone 6, so it’s certainly not going to present anyone with any difficulties when it comes to bulk and storage. The item also has an attractive contemporary aesthetic that means it will not look out of place in any contemporary living or working environment, whether that be a bedroom or a small private office.

There are no filters required in the URPOWER Ultrasonic Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser, which has a whisper-quiet operational noise level, as well as an ultra convenient automatic shutoff function, meaning that this unit will never be in any danger of overheating or shorting if the tank runs out of liquid.

Operating the URPOWER Ultrasonic Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser could not be much simpler. All that’s required is to fill the tank with ordinary tap water, with, to get the full effect, two or three drops of essential oil.

URPOWER Ultrasonic Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser - Design & Convenience
Width (inches)	3.1in
Depth (inches)	3.1in
Height (inches)	5.5in
Weight (oz)	10.9oz
Length of the power supply cable	69.6in

 

URPOWER Ultrasonic Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser – Design & ConvenienceOperational Noise

While we don’t have an exact decibel reading for the URPOWER Ultrasonic, we are satisfied beyond doubt that this appliance will not cause any difficulties in relation to noise level. Even at its highest setting, it’s whisper-quiet and total unobtrusive.

 

URPOWER Ultrasonic Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser – Maintenance & Support

As noted, this is one of the easiest to operate and maintain humidifiers and diffusers on the market. However, we’re unable to determine the exact nature of the after-sales service. The website is a little general, offering only email contact with customer service operatives. And the lack of information on any warranty cover for the device is bound to be a negative for some shoppers.

URPOWER Ultrasonic Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser - Maintenance & Support
Appliance Warranty	Check with Manufacturer
Email	Yes
Phone	No
Online Manual	Yes (product descriptions)
FAQs	No
Live Chat	No

 

URPOWER Ultrasonic Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser – Overall Value for Money

In terms of overall value for money, the URPOWER Ultrasonic Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser is a fantastic, no-brainer of a product. It’s available at a reasonable price, is incredibly easy to operate and situate anywhere in your house, and compact enough to either be stored unobtrusively in a room, or stowed away when not in use. It’s incredibly attractive design and functionality as a light earns it bonus points too. The vagueness in the area of support and after-sales service is a bit of a shame, but in our experience this is a product that is reliable and won’t let you down.

URPOWER Ultrasonic Aroma - Pros	URPOWER Ultrasonic Aroma - Cons
Extremely compact, portable & easy to use.	Will only run for three hours continuous or six hours on intermittent setting.
Automatic shut-off shuts down the appliance when tank empties of water.	Ineffective over larger areas of the home.

URPOWER Ultrasonic Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser – Check Price >

 

 

2. Best Humidifier Review – Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic

The MistAire Ultrasonic is another of the best humidifier appliances we reviewed. This is another user-friendly unit, which can moisturise the air in your apartment or bedroom for up to 16 hours continuously, helping you to breathe easier and attain a deeper and more restful sleep. With a 1.5l water tank that provides ideal coverage for small to medium spaces such as bedrooms and offices, the is a highly customisable machine with high and low speed settings and adjustable mist direction.

There is an optional nightlight, and the auto shut-off feature that deactivates the appliance when the water level is low or the tank is removed, ensures that your humidifier will not be damaged and that it will have a longer operational life. With a great two-year warranty, plus an exceptionally good customer support service network that’s reachable seven days a week, the MistAire Ultrasonic is another unit that seems designed to maximise customer peace of mind.

Amazon Customer Reviews: 9,421
Average Review Rating: 3.9 out of 5 Stars

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Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic – Performance, Efficiency & Safety

For efficiency and safety, it would be tough to top the Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic. It’s safe and easy to use, even in the dark (thanks to its built-in nightlight), and has an automatic shut-off that will deactivate the unit when the water empties from the tank, ensuring there is no over-heating or shorting.

With its moisture output of 150ml per hour and a running time per tank of up to 16 hours, this is an absolutely beautiful option for a small to medium sized bedroom of around 250 square feet.

Other features, including its whisper quiet, low-maintenance operation, and great after-sales support and warranty cover, make the Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic an all-round fantastic addition to your home.

On the downside, there are reports that the water tank leaks after a time, and some quibbles about the two moisture settings (most users like a minimum of three), but these criticisms seem minor against the sheer richness of features available with the Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic.

Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic - Performance, Efficiency & Safety
Rating Voltage	120V
Frequency	50Hz
Water Tank Capacity	4 gallons / 1.5l
Moisture Output	150ml per hour
Run Time per Tank	Up to 16 hours
Humidifying Capacity	Up to 250 square feet / 23 square metres
Noise Level	Whisper quiet — all but completely silent

 

Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic – Design & Convenience

This Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic has a wonderful contemporary design, ensuring it will handsomely blend into any living or working space. However, it is more than just a pretty face. The accessibility of its aesthetics run right through to its operating system, which is the last word in convenience.

Its numerous smart features will swiftly and without any hassle moisturise the driest of working or living spaces within minutes, with its invigorating injections of mist into the air you breath, making it almost instantaneously easier to live, work and breathe.

Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic - Design & Convenience
Length (inches)	8in
Width (inches)	6in
Height (inches)	9in
Weight (pounds)	1.75lb

 

Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic – Operational Noise

Although we have no decibel reading for the operational noise level of the Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic, it’s whisper quiet, all but inaudible in a room where people are talking, at operating at discreet enough levels not to disturb anyone either while they’re going to sleep, or already slumbering.

 

Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic – Maintenance & Support

The MistAire Ultrasonic humidifier is backed by Pure Enrichment’s industry-leading 2-Year Warranty so your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. This is a very convenient and low-maintenance appliance to operate and care for over the long term

The Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic, in addition to its warranty cover, also benefits from a very decent level of customer care and after sales service, in the form of email contact, a website with user manuals and a customer FAQs section for troubleshooting, as well as a live chat service, enabling you to make contact with a customer service representative online to help swifter identification of any problems and organise the remedy.

Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic - Maintenance & Support
Appliance Warranty	Yes - 2-Year Warranty Cover
Email	Yes
Phone	No
Online Manual	Product Descriptions only
FAQs	Yes
Live Chat	Yes

 

Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic – Overall Value for Money

It’s difficult to find fault with the Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic. Its operating system is simplicity itself, and it’s so quiet in operation that you’d hardly notice it was in the room. As noted, there have been reports about the tendency of the water tank to leak after a time, and some users contend that its two power settings could have been complemented by a third.

However, given the range of features available with the Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic, these criticisms seem rather niggling. Given the exceptional level of customer support and the generosity of the two-year warranty, we’d say that overall the Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic is a good value product that can be purchased with relative peace of mind.

Pure Enrichment MistAire - Pros	Pure Enrichment MistAire - Cons
No-fuss operation and all but silent running noise.	Water tank reportedly leaks.
Beautiful contemporary design, will look good anywhere.	Just two mist output settings (no medium).

Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic – Check Price >

 

 

3. Best Humidifier Review – Vicks Warm Mist V745A

Vicks is a brand that is synonymous with medicinal products designed to help you breath more easily, and the Vicks Warm V745A is a technological extension of that medicinal brief, designed as it is to kill up to 95 percent of bacteria, mould or spores in the air. This applianced can be used with Vicks Vaposteam or Kaz Inhalant for added relief from colds & coughs, ensuring that you will breath more easily for an uninterrupted slumber.

The Vicks Warm V745A is simplicity itself to use. Its 1-gallon tanks is easily removed and fits under mosts sinks for filling, to provide up to 12 hours of whisper-quiet warm mist. It’s also easier to control than most humidifiers, with knob-controlled adjustable dual-output settings, and it benefits from an automatic shut-off feature that deactivates the unit when the water tank is empty. Maintenance of this appliance is extremely hassle-free—there is not even a filter required.

Amazon Customer Reviews: 4,742
Average Review Rating: 3.7 out of 5 Stars

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Vicks Warm Mist V745A – Performance, Efficiency & Safety

There are a lot of things to recommend the Vicks Warm Mist V745A humidifier in terms of its performance. Most crucially, it’s incredibly easy to use, and, because it’s filter-free, maintain. It also has that all important auto shut-off feature that we at AGENT harp on about so much—this facility ensures that your machine will shut down when its tank runs dry of liquid.

In terms of its overall safety, this product is certified by the Underwriters Laboratories global safety consulting and certification company, so users will have few if any worries about personal safety while using the humidifier. While it’s a very solid performer, it does use quite a bit of energy in operation, and the necessity to frequently cleanse the tank (every week is the recommendation in the manual) will not be to everyone’s taste.

However, this appliance comes with a medicine cup that can be used either for Vicks Vaposteam or Kaz Inhalant. These products combine with the water in the humidifier to create a medicated vapor that almost all reviewers agree relieves the kind of ailments that are common in winner, including chest and sinus congestion, dry coughs, flu symptoms and other conditions.

Vicks Warm Mist V745A - Performance, Efficiency & Safety
Rating Voltage	120V
Frequency	60Hz
Power	246W (max)
Water Tank Capacity	1-gallon / 3.78l
Run Time per Tank	Up to 12 hours
Output	2 gallons / 7.6l
Humidifying Capacity	400 square feet / 37 square metres
Noise Level	Gentle noise (no decibel level available)

 

Vicks Warm Mist V745A – Design & Convenience

One of the heftier humidifiers on this review post, the Vicks Warm Mist V475A has still be designed with user convenience in mind, so it’s probably one of the most user-friendly appliances on the market. It’s attractive to look at, functions as a night light, has an ultra quiet operation that won’t keep you awake at night, and has a carrying handle for easy lifting if you plan to move it around your house or office.

Although Vicks recommends that the tank is thoroughly cleaned, perhaps as frequently as every week, there is no doubt that even here, the design has the user in mind. Even the tank floor is designed to drain water completely ensuring there is no standing water, and there is also an automatic shutoff that ensures the appliance will not overheat if the water runs dry.

Vicks Warm Mist V745A - Design & Convenience
Width (inches)	12in
Depth (inches)	7.9in
Height (inches)	14.2in
Weight (pounds)	4.25lb

 

Vicks Warm Mist V745A – Operational Noise

While we do not have a precise operational noise level for the Vicks Warm Mist V745A, it has a very quiet and gentle running noise, and, for most people, the appliances can comfortably be used in a bedroom at night without disturbing sleep.

 

Vicks Warm Mist V745A – Maintenance & Support

While this is filter-free, the Vicks Warm Mist V745A needs quite a bit of TLC to ensure its peak efficiency stands the test of time. The manufacturers recommend weekly cleansing of the tank, for example. However, there is quite a high level of support on the company website, including email and telephone contacts, an online manual and FAQs section for troubleshooting, as well as a one-year warranty.

Vicks Warm Mist V745A - Maintenance & Support
Appliance Warranty	Yes - 1-Year Warranty
Email	Yes
Phone	Yes
Online Manual	Yes
FAQs	Yes
Live Chat	No

 

Vicks Warm Mist V745A – Overall Value for Money

In summary, the Vicks Warm Mist V745A is a bit of a mixed bag. It’s certainly effective, easy to operate and you have no bother with regular filter replacement. However, it does use quite a bit of power and requires regular cleansing of the tank for optimum performance. However, if effective medicated vapor that keeps bacteria at bay is your absolute priority, then this is probably the humidifier for you.

Vicks Warm Mist V745A - Pros	Vicks Warm Mist V745A - Cons
The mist is pleasantly warm and very effective when used with Vicks Vaposteam or Kaz Inhalant.	Uses quite a lot of power.
Easy to operate and clean.	Tank must be cleaned regularly.

Vicks Warm Mist V745A – Check Price >

 

 

4. Best Humidifier Review – URPOWER MH501

The URPOWER MH501 is one of the larger humidifiers that we have reviewed, with a 5l water tank that can emit a cool mist into the air for a full night. It’s a discreet and subtle appliance, with a matte black body that blends in with most surroundings. The humidifier is extremely customisable, with three mist output modes—low, middle and high—and a sleep mode (middle setting) that will run up to 17 hours. Like the other humidifiers we reviewed, there is an auto shut down when the water tank empties, to prevent over-heating or short-circuiting.

In addition, this is also one of the easiest humidifiers to operate, with just a single power button that gives you control over the appliance. You will have no worries about complexity with the URPOWER MH501.

Amazon Customer Reviews: 2,768
Average Review Rating: 3.6 out of 5 Stars

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URPOWER MH501 – Performance, Efficiency & Safety

With a number of features, as well as an energy-efficient power consumption of about 30W, the URPOWER MH501 is among the most energy-efficient machines that we reviewed for this post on the best humidifier appliances.

Most important among these, possibly (and definitely a strong point in the eyes of reviews team at Air Conditioners Rated), is the automatic shut-off function that shuts down the machine automatically when the tank is empty, so you won’t have any worries about the product over-heating or short-circuiting.

Thanks to its large 5l (1.32 gallon) water tank capacity, the URPOWER MH501 will run for approximately 14 to 17 hours, with a maximum mist volume of 350ml per hour.

Whisper quiet in operation, this humidifier will do its efficient and effective humidifying work whilst you sleep, with almost no possibility of keeping you awake or otherwise disturbing your sleep.

URPOWER MH501 - Performance, Efficiency & Safety
Rating Voltage	240V
Frequency	60Hz
Power	30W
Water Tank Capacity	1.32-gallon / 5l
Run Time per Tank	14 to 17 hours
Maximum Mist Volume	350ml per hour
Noise Level	Whisper quiet operation

 

URPOWER MH501 – Design & Convenience

In an echo of its classic two-tone black and aluminum aesthetic, the URPOWER MH501 has one of the most convenient operating systems of any of the humidifiers that we reviewed for this post. It’s all based around a single power button, with long press for sleep mode (middle mist output and all indicator lights off) and short press giving you access to the three mist outputs (low, mid and high) and working time of 14 to 17 hours.

URPOWER MH501 - Design & Convenience
Width (inches)	10.1in
Depth (inches)	7.8in
Height (inches)	16.2in
Weight (pounds)	4.4lb

 

URPOWER MH501 – Operational Noise

We don’t have an exact decibel reading for the URPOWER MH501 humidifier, but we found that this device emitted no noise to speak of at all whilst in operation. As noted with some of the other appliances, there is a mild ‘white noise’ effect

 

URPOWER MH501 – Maintenance & Support

While this is among the more user-friendly machines on the market, the fact that we’re unable to determine the precise extent of the after-sales service is a bit of a concern, especially the lack of any information on the website about whether there is warranty cover for the product.

URPOWER MH501 - Maintenance & Support
Appliance Warranty	Check with Manufacturer
Email	Yes
Phone	No
Online Manual	Yes (product descriptions)
FAQs	No
Live Chat	No

 

URPOWER MH501 – Overall Value for Money

This is an appliance with much to recommend it. As we’ve noted, its operating system is incredibly easy to use, and that’s echoed by the humidifier’s muted design aesthetic. In truth, for some people, this might not be to everyone’s taste, as it’s a little bit on the anonymous side. Elsewhere, it’s a bit of a mixed bag.

There are some very welcome aspects of this machine, including features such as the automatic shutdown that prevents overheating or shorting if and when the water in the tank runs dry. But the lack of any information about warranty cover either on Amazon or on the manufacturers website, may raise concerns for some people, who might prefer to be covered by a warranty, even for a limited period.

URPOWER MH501 - Pros	URPOWER MH501 - Cons
Single-button operating system is simplicity itself.	We liked them, but the design aesthetics may be a little anonymous for some tastes.
Automatic shut-off is always a standout feature on an appliance that uses water.	Lack of warranty information is cause for concern.

URPOWER MH501 – Check Price >

 

 

5. Best Humidifier Review – TaoTronics TT-AH001

For whisper-quiet operation and ultrasonic diffusion, the TaoTronics TT-AH001 ensures that you rest easily throughout the night, unbothered by noise or by impurities in the air. The microporous cartridge will thoroughly filter the water and rid it of microorganisms prior to releasing it in odourless, pure mist. The vapor levels can be adjusted for humidity level and mist flow, for rooms of up to 50 square meters / 538 square feet, and it’s suitable for humidifying a room during the summer and purifying the air of the molecules that cause dry skin, wrinkles, winter colds and even mildew.

With its 4l water tank, the TaoTronics TT-AH001 can provide up to 15 hours of mist, meaning that the purified air will endure for well into the night. This is also a feature-rich appliance, and comes complete with a timer, an easy-to-use LED display, a sleep mode, and a 360-degree rotable nozzle for uniform distribution.

Amazon Customer Reviews: 68
Average Review Rating: 4.3 out of 5 Stars

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TaoTronics TT-AH001 – Performance, Efficiency & Safety

In the right circumstances, the TaoTronics TT-AH001 is one of the most powerful humidifiers on the market. With its 4l water tank, you’ll get more than half a day (up to 15 hours) of adjustable humidification that will last well into the night, and a host of features, such as timer, LED display, sleep mode and a rotatable mist nozzle. Although it doe not double as an aroma diffuser like some of the machines on this post, it’s well worth considering for what it can achieve using only water.

However, as you’ll see, its strengths are negated by a couple of key factors. One is that it’s incredibly difficult to clean. And the other is that the air intake for its humidification process is on the bottom of the unit, making it completely unsuitable for carpets or other fibrous floor coverings.

That having been said, if you don’t have carpet floors, and you don’t mind having to go the extra mile with cleaning, the TaoTronics TT-AH001 might be the very job for your purposes.

TaoTronics TT-AH001 - Performance, Efficiency & Safety
Rating Voltage	120V
Frequency	60Hz
Power	30W
Water Tank Capacity	1.05 gallon / 4l
Run time per tank	Up to 15 hours
Humidifying Capacity	Particularly good for rooms of up to 66-82 square feet
Noise Level	Less than 38dB

 

TaoTronics TT-AH001 – Design & Convenience

This is a handsome humidifier that has a very clean and easy to use interface. You will be able to use the interface to control the timer and the mist settings, as well as selecting desired humidity level and turning on and off the optional night light.

Thanks to its compact dimensions, relatively light weight and convenient carry-handle, it’s also very easy to move the TaoTronics TT-AH001 from room to room and to the locations where it is most needed. But this is rather offset by the air intake on the bottom of the unit, which renders it liable to clogging on surfaces with carpet or rug coverings.

TaoTronics TT-AH001 - Design & Convenience
Width (inches)	8in
Depth (inches)	5in
Height (inches)	12in
Weight (pounds)	3.5lb

 

TaoTronics TT-AH001 – Operational Noise

The Ultrasonic air diffusion process creates under 38 decibels of noise. This is below the level of a human whisper, and is not going to disturb a night’s sleep, whether for a baby or an adult.

 

TaoTronics TT-AH001 – Maintenance & Support

A powerful machine, the TaoTronics TT-AH001 is also renowned as a particularly difficult machine to clean because of the 2in opening on the water tank, and the manufacturer provides no great detail in terms of the best cleaning products. However, there is good general after-sales service via the TaoTronics website, and the 12-month warranty provided is another strong point in the favour of the TaoTronics TT-AH001.

TaoTronics TT-AH001 - Maintenance & Support
Appliance Warranty	Yes - 12-month warranty
Email	Yes
Phone	Yes
Online Manual	Yes
FAQs	Yes
Live Chat	No

 

TaoTronics TT-AH001 – Overall Value for Money

This is another mixed bag, to be honest. On the one hand, it’s one of the most user-friendly machines on the market, with a powerful sense of energy-efficiency in its power consumption and humidification ratings. On the other hand, it’s without a doubt the most difficult to clean out of all the humidifiers that we reviewed for this post, and so so is not likely to be a favourite with people who don’t have time to devote to regular cleaning. It will only work properly on non-carpeted floors, so if you have carpet floors in the room that you want to humidify, you’d be best shopping for an alternative to the otherwise powerful TaoTronics TT-AH001

TaoTronics TT-AH001 - Pros	TaoTronics TT-AH001 - Cons
Humidification and power consumption are impressive.	Quite difficult to clean due to narrow 2in opening on water tank.
Interface is responsive and very easy to use.	Can't be used on carpet, or air intake will clog with fibres.

TaoTronics TT-AH001 – Check Price >

 

 

6. Best Humidifier Review – Honeywell HUL520W

Designed for smaller domestic rooms and office workspaces, the Honeywell HUL520W is another of the simplest and easiest to use and maintain humidifiers that we came across in our researches. The Honeywell HUL520W benefits from variable moisture output settings, and, on its lowest power setting, can operate for up to 18 hours.

Ideal for keeping a small to medium-sized bedroom fresh, cool and comfortable enough to guarantee an uninterrupted night’s sleep, the Honeywell HUL520W is ultra quiet in its operation, and there are no filters required for its operation. A very good humidifier in its price range, then.

Amazon Customer Reviews: 2,213
Average Review Rating: 3.7 out of 5 Stars

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Honeywell HUL520W – Performance, Efficiency & Safety

We know all about the various energy-efficient benefits of cool mist created ultrasonically, but there are numerous health benefits as well, and the Honeywell HUL520W achieves this very well. This humidifier is particularly strong at maintaining the humidity levels in your room, thanks to the degree of control that you have over the mist (a feature that some humidifiers lack).

The automatic shut-off is another bonus for the Honeywell HUL520W, because it means if the water in the appliance’s tank runs dry during the night or when you are not at home, it will shut off, meaning not only the elimination of any costs associated with needless electricity usage, but also, the elimination of any risk of damage to your machine through overheating or short-circuiting. This has a half-gallon (1.8l) tank that can support a continuous running time of up to 20 hours. However, it is probably best suited to quite small to medium-sized rooms, such as bedrooms or nurseries

 

Honeywell HUL520W – Design & Convenience

The operation of the Honeywell HUL520W revolves around an easy to use control knob. There is no complicated system of buttons, nor are there any filters required. And with the automatic shutoff, you’ll have no worries about risks to the electronics when the tank runs empty during the night or otherwise while unattended. It has a charming design aesthetic too, which means it will look good just about anywhere in your house, and is compact enough for easy storage when not in use.

Honeywell HUL520W - Design & Convenience	Honeywell HUL520W - Design & Convenience
Width (inches)	8.57in
Depth (inches)	8.15in
Height (inches)	8.90in
Weight (pounds)	2.61lbs

 

Honeywell HUL520W – Operational Noise

The Honeywell HUL520W has been designed to run at absolutely minimal operational noise levels. You will not be disturbed, either from sleep or from enjoying your day to day routine, by the running noise of the Honeywell HUL520W—it’s as if it is not in the room at all.

 

Honeywell HUL520W – Maintenance & Support

The Honeywell HUL520W is a fairly low-maintenance and easy to operate humidifier, suitable for anyone to operate: indeed the controls are child’s play to master. However, if anything goes wrong, it’s good to know that the Honeywell HUL520W is covered by a two-year warranty, and that there is a host of support available via the company’s website, be that contact with support through email or telephone, or using the online manual or FAQs section to troubleshoot the problem.

Yes - 2-year warranty
Appliance Warranty	Yes - 2-year warranty
Email	Yes
Phone	Yes
Online Manual	Yes
FAQs	Yes
Live Chat	No

 

Honeywell HUL520W – Overall Value for Money

Easy to operate, easy to maintain, there is little wrong with the Honeywell HUL520W if you have a small to medium sized bedroom that you’d like to control and regulate the humidity levels in. it’s possible to achieve a level of humidity that’s within a 1% margin of error using the Honeywell HUL520W. Mist levels are easy to see and control, and you’ll be able to run up to around 20 hours on a single filling of the water tank. The only real downside to this is that it’s not really suitable for anything larger than a medium-sized bedroom or nursery.

Honeywell HUL520W - Pros	Honeywell HUL520W - Cons
Operation system is simplicity itself, and maintenance is extremely light-touch.	Suitable only for small to medium-sized sized bedrooms or nurseries.
Ultra quiet operation, with automatic shut-off.

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7. Best Humidifier Review – Honeywell HCM350W

With QuietCare Performance technology, the Honeywell HCM350W is pitched as being up to 25 percent quieter in operation than other evaporative humidifiers on the market, a fact that will make it worthy of at least consideration by anyone in the market for a new humidifier.

The Honeywell HCM350W, which has three speed settings for adjusting moisture output and operational noise level, can run up to an incredible 24 hours on a full water tank at the low speed settings. This appliance runs best with genuine Honeywell replacement HAC504 wicking filters, which remove impurities from the water and help to reduce white dust in the air. The filters are treated with Protec antimicrobial, which inhibits up to 99.99% of mold growth.

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Average Review Rating: 3.6 out of 5 Stars

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Honeywell HCM350W – Performance, Efficiency & Safety

This is a compact humidifier unit that’s perfect for use in a small room, such as a bedroom or a baby’s nursery. It will efficiently moisturise a room of up to 150 square feet, with tests confirming a humidity level of around 45% achievable in a room of this size after just 30 minutes.

Using Self Regulating Evaporative Technology to cleanse the air of 99% of bacteria, mold and other harmful allergens from the air, the HCM350W does so, its manufacturers claim, at noise levels up to 25% quieter than its rivals. While we don’t have the precise dBA figures to confirm or contest this claim, we can certainly attest to the units discreet operational noise level, which we believe would not disturb anyone’s sleep whether by day or during the night.

The Honeywell HCM350W has three speed settings so the moisture output and sound levels are adjustable, while the unit can run for up to a full day on just one tank filling.

Honeywell HCM350W - Performance, Efficiency & Safety
Rating Voltage	120V
Frequency	60Hz
Power	60W
Water Tank Capacity	1.1-gallon / 4.16l
Run Time per Tank	Up to 24 hours.
Humidifying Capacity	Excellent in smaller rooms of up to 150 square feet.
Noise Level	Unobtrusive 'white noise', even at the highest setting.

 

Honeywell HCM350W – Design & Convenience

The Honeywell HCM350W has a contemporary and striking design that ensure it will blend in well anywhere in a modern home, whether in a bedroom, kitchen, or living room: All you really need is a firm and water-resistant surface, and a situation at least 6in (15cm) from walls and furniture to allow for proper airflow.

This unit is a little more high maintenance than some others. It has a UV bulb that must be replaced after an average output of 3,000 hours, and an HAC-504 series replacement Filter A. However, the manual on the company website has clear photo instructions on how to undertake these jobs yourself.

Easy to fill, clean and carry, with its wide opening and large recessed tank handle, the water tank and tray of the Honeywell HCM350W can be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher on a light duty or normal cycle, but not with soiled dishes. Cleaning the base and tank cap involves scale removal and disinfecting.

Honeywell HCM-350 - Design & Convenience
Width (inches)	17.48in
Depth (inches)	9.37in
Height (inches)	11.85in
Weight (pounds)	8.36lb
Filters and perishable parts	UV bulb (3,000 hours lifetime); HAC-504 series replacement Filter A; and Protec Continuous Cleaning Cartridge: PC2V1

 

Honeywell HCM350W – Operational Noise

Although we don’t have a precise noise level for the Honeywell HCM350W in decibels, this is yet another of the quietest such appliances available. It’s all but silent on low and medium settings, and even at highest of the device’s three fan settings, there is nothing more than white noise, which many consumers maintain is an aid to rather than a hindrance from relaxation and sleep.

 

Honeywell HCM350W – Maintenance, Help & Support

Although this is probably a little higher in maintenance than some of the machines we reviewed for this post, the Honeywell HCM350W has much to recommend it in terms of the degree of after-sales service available from Honeywell. The incredibly generous three-year limited warranty is a very strong selling point and there is a suite of services available via the company’s website, including a downloadable manual, an FAQs section, and contacts for customer relations via post, toll-free telephone, and email.

Honeywell HCM350W - Maintenance, Help & Support
Appliance Warranty	Yes - 3-Year Limited Warranty
Email	Yes
Phone	Yes
Online Manual	Yes
FAQs	Yes
Live Chat	No

 

Honeywell HCM350W – Overall Value for Money

The Honeywell HCM-350 is fantastic value for money for an appliance at its price point. The strongest selling points of this appliances are its unobtrusive white noise operational noise levels, as well as its ease of operation and set-up. It falls short of ‘best in class’ status, because of its relative high-maintenance compared with other units, as well as its lack of an automatic shut off and a choice of warm and cool mists.

Honeywell HCM350W - Pros	Honeywell HCM350W - Cons
The operational noise is hardly audible at all on low and medium speeds.	Lack of warm mist option is a bit limiting.
Although unit is a little high maintenance, all that's required is for the unit to be wiped clean and filters replaced regularly.	No auto-shutoff, so unit vulnerable to risk of overheating or shorting when water tank empties.

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8. Best Humidifier Review – hOmeLabs HME020005N

The hOme Cool Mist Humidifier is one of the most customisable machines in our humidifier review, with ultrasonic technology creating a cool mist inhalant with a light breeze throughout your room. It also has a warm steam setting that can boil water into vapor to combat colds and other respiratory symptoms, and its whisper-quiet fan is extremely discreet and non-obtrusive.

The hOmeLabs HME020005N can also be used as an aromatherapy diffuser, as it has a compartment for scented oils. The top-removable 4l water tank is easy to fill and install, and is extremely easy to use.

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hOmeLabs HME020005N – Performance, Efficiency & Safety

This appliance from hOmeLabs has a ceramic vibrating diaphragm that creates water droplets in a fog inhalant which is delivered to the room via fan. so not only do you get refreshed air, you also get a soothing breeze from this humidifier.

There is also an aromatherapy function which enables customers to combine humidifying mist with the benefits of their favorite essential oils or medicinal inhalants. The humidity output of the hOmeLabs HME020005N will vary as per mist control setting. In hi mode, the hOmeLabs HME020005N will produce approximately 0.35l per hour of mist, and 0.21l on the lo setting. And the appliance will run for up to six hours continuously on a full tank.

With a water tank capacity of just over 1 gallon (4 liters), the hOmeLabs HME020005N humidifier has what it takes to ensure that your chosen living, working or sleeping space benefits from a continuous infusion of moisture into the atmosphere.

We particularly liked the automatic water supply and subtle automatic shutoff features on this humidifier. When the automatic water supply function is on, the AC solenoid valve automatically adds water to the tank when the water level becomes lower than the minimum limit. Once the water level returns to maximum, the AC electromagnetic valve will automatically stop adding water.

In low water level protection mode, the fan, transducer and PTC all turn off and the automatic water supply function activates. The humidifier will then check the water level every six seconds. After 10 times of checking the water level, if water is not refilled, the humidifier goes into standby mode.

 

hOmeLabs HME020005N – Design & Convenience

This is one of the most unusual designs we’ve seen in household humidifier, mainly due to the lack of a transparent water tank (although there is an easy to read transparent water level indicator on the side of the tank). It seems as if hOmeLabs have gone for an Apple-esque design, where all the focus is on the operation of the appliance, and its operation is inseparable from its rather handsome form.

This iconic, classy design means that the hOmeLabs HME020005N will look good just about anywhere, whether in a living or an office space, and its cube-shaped design and relatively light weight will work just as well on a desktop as it will on a shelf or a bedside locker or table.

The hOmeLabs HME020005N is also as convenient as it looks. With a touch control system, cool and warm mist options, high and low mist settings, a timer of up to eight hours, low water level protection and automatic shut-off, as well as a sleep mode and an automatic water supply function, there is nothing the hOmeLabs HME020005N humidifier cannot handle in the average home.

hOmeLabs HME020005N - Design & Convenience
Width (inches)	10.5in
Depth (inches)	10.5in
Height (inches)	12in
Weight (pounds)	5.3lb

 

hOmeLabs HME020005N – Operational Noise

While we don’t have a precise decibel reading for this unit, the ‘white noise’ created by its quiet fan is not only unobtrusive, but also beneficial. Some users contend that this white noise effect actually creates the kind of calm that helps a more restful sleep.

 

hOmeLabs HME020005N – Maintenance & Support

This is probably one of the most low-maintenance humidifiers that we reviewed for this post, and the limited two-year warranty that covers faulty manufacture, parts or workmanship during the warranty period speaks volumes about the extent to which hOmeLabs is prepared to stand over its product.

But not only do customers get that. They can also return the product within 30 days for any reason, and also avail of what hOmeLabs describes as “lifetime technical support”.

Via the company’s website, you can peruse the incredibly comprehensive and helpful product manual as well as handy FAQs to help you troubleshoot any difficult that may arise. But you can also be put into contact with a customer service representative, via email, phone or a hugely helpful Live Chat facility.

hOmeLabs HME020005N - Maintenance & Support
Appliance Warranty	Yes - two-year limited
Email	Yes
Phone	Yes
Online Manual	Yes
FAQs	Yes
Live Chat	Yes

 

hOmeLabs HME020005N – Overall Value for Money

Overall, this is a solid investment, that delivers easy-to-control humidity, as well as providing you with that all important essential oil option if you want the air with just a hint of your favorite fragrance. It’s also remarkably low-maintenance for such a sophisticated product, and incredibly easy to use. The large water tank notwithstanding, it will be necessary to frequently refill it. But that is why the automatic water supply option definitely makes this appliance worth investigating.

hOmeLabs HME020005N - Pros	hOmeLabs HME020005N - Cons
Very easy to use, with touch controls, cool & warm mist options, high and low mist settings, and aromatherapy functionality.	Moisture available only for up to six hours—frequent refilling may be necessary, depending on humidity levels.
Automatic shut off protects the machine from possible damage.

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Best Humidifier Review – FAQs

To help you make sense of the humidifier market today, we’ve prepared an FAQs section in which we provide answers not only to some of the big questions you will have on your mind at this point, but also to some of the questions that you may not have even considered. Taken together with the specific information contained in our product reviews on this post, the information in this FAQs section will provide you with everything that you need to know about buying a new humidifier, from why you may need a dehumidifier in the first place, through to the pros and cons of specific models, and why these are important. The aim is to make your shopping process as informed and hassle-free as possible.

 

Why invest in a humidifier?

Humidifiers help to combat sore throats, dried sinuses, respiratory conditions, dry skin, chapped lips, and even nose bleeds.

In the winter time, the air in your home can lose a lot of moisture. This is because warm air can hold a lot more moisture than cold air. While you can turn up your thermostat to re-establish warmth, unfortunately this will not replace any moisture. This can lead to a number of health problems, such as aggravated respiratory issues, dried out skin, sinuses, and throats, chapped lips, and as mentioned above, even nose bleeds. Humidifiers are designed to raise the humidity levels of your home back up to optimal levels for your health.

On a side note, dry air can also cause damage to precious items like musical instruments, works of art, and can even damage your home’s infrastructure by causing furniture to warp, wood floors to separate, wallpaper to peel etc.

 

How do humidifiers work?

There are different types of humidifiers; an ultrasonic humidifier will use a vibrating diaphragm to create micro-fine water droplets that enter the air, alternatively, there are evaporative coolers.

As stated above, an ultrasonic humidifier utilises a vibrating diaphragm to create very fine water droplets that will enter the air. Evaporative coolers will use a fan to bring air into the device, passing it along a water-saturated wick filter which will absorb the moisture. After this air is saturated, it is then pushed out into your living space where it is then circulated.

 

Will I have to refill my humidifier often?

Most portable humidifiers will require a refill every 24hrs, however there are some that will last longer.

The majority of portable humidifiers will need to be refilled once every 24 hours if you plan on using it continuously day-and-night. However, if you plan on using your humidifier intermittently, you will not be required to refill it as often.

 

What kind of water do I refill my humidifier with?

Ideally fill your humidifier with distilled water – hard water is also suitable but only if your humidifier has a mineral cartridge.

Hard water has an elevated mineral content, which, when released into the air, can settle and dry as what is known as white dust. This solidified hard water can be harmful when breathed in for prolonged periods of time. Harmful effects include aggravated respirator issues, or even the introduction of new issues. Mineral cartridges are specifically designed to remove as much minerals as possible from hard water before mist is formed, thus lessening the risk of white dust formation.

 

How do I refill my humidifier?

Some humidifiers can be carried to the sink when their water reservoirs need to be refilled, others can be refilled with a hose or pitcher, while some also connect directly into your water supply for continuous operation.

Many portable humidifiers are light enough that you can simply pick them up and bring them over to your sink. Water can be put into the humidifier by simply popping open the reservoir lid, and filling it up with water. Other, heavier humidifiers, may require filling by hose, or pitcher. Finally, furnace humidifiers will not feature a water reservoir, but rather you simply hook the humidifier into your home’s water supply, where it will pull water out when needed.

 

Do humidifiers use a lot of energy?

Different types of humidifiers have varying energy demands, with in-duct humidifiers being the most efficient, least expensive option.

Furthermore, cool mist humidifiers tend to demand less power than a warm mist humidifier. Additionally, console humidifiers will use more power than table-top humidifiers.

 

Are humidifiers loud?

Evaporative humidifiers are slightly louder than ultrasonic humidifiers, with cool mist humidifiers being the loudest, although no humidifiers are actually loud. 

Ultrasonic humidifiers create very little noise because of the ultrasonic waves they emit being higher than a human can hear. Evaporative humidifiers will be a bit louder, due to the moving parts inside, with cool mist humidifiers being the loudest due to their built-in fan.

 

What sizes do humidifiers come in?

Humidifiers come in various sizes, ranging from table-top humidifiers, to console humidifiers that stand on the floor, to larger in-duct humidifiers.

 

What level of humidity is ideal?

Ideal humidity levels are between 30 and 50%. Ideally we would recommend a humidity level of 45%.

Before you invest in a humidifier, make sure to take note of how humid your home is to begin with, as you don’t want to put too much moisture into your air – leading to dampness.

 

How do I maintain/clean my humidifier?

Use a soft-bristled brush with a gentle cleaning product, before rinsing thoroughly and allowing to dry, before refilling with fresh water.

Cleaning your humidifier regularly is incredibly important, as these appliances can become dangerous if mold and bacteria are allowed to breed inside the water chamber. Additionally, we also recommend cleaning the outside of your humidifier with a simple cloth.

 

Are there humidifiers with built-in timers?

Yes, many modern day humidifiers have a number of added features, with timers being among them.

The timer function is incredibly useful, as it allows the user to input an operational timetable for their humidifier to follow even when they’re out of the home. This means optimal humidity levels are maintained all through the day.

 

Are humidifiers dangerous?

Warm mist can be dangerous for young children, as they may burn themselves, additionally an unclean humidifier may spread bacteria and other allergens.

Humidifiers are generally not to be considered dangerous, however we do advise keeping warm mist humidifiers out of the reach of young children, and we also advise you to be cautious with the appliance for your own sake. Additionally, a humidifier that is not properly maintained may spread mold, bacteria, and other allergens that are allowed to thrive in an unclean water tank.

 

Summary

Wrapping up our review of the best humidifiers on the market, our advice is to run through our FAQs above, then applying the information we’ve outlined to our list at the beginning of this review. This will allow you to apply newfound expertise to our carefully chosen products. By approaching the market from a new, informed, and fresh perspective you’ll be able to find the perfect product to suit your needs in no time.