These tested humidifiers should improve your health and help you sleep better.
Indoor air that’s too dry can irritate skin, cause asthma symptoms, sore throats and even cracked lips. Adding moisture back with a humidifier may help.
They’re useful in summer, when fans and air conditioners dry the air, and winter, when heating and dehumidifiers do the same. I know how shifts in temperature can leave my son’s skin feeling uncomfortably dry (not to mention my own), so I’m always looking for ways to manage ot.
I tested 10 of the most popular humidifier brands, including Dyson, Humio and Meaco, to see if they’d help. Incidentally, my house plants have flourished thanks to the added moisture in the air. Prices vary from about £60 to nearly £700, depending on the device you choose.
You can read my reviews further down, followed by some advice on how to use humidifiers. Here’s a quick look at my top five:
The best humidifiers: At a glance
- Best Buy humidifier: Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool PH2 De-Nox
- Best Value humidifier: Humio Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
- Best humidifier for babies:Glow Dreaming Kids Humidifier and Sleep Aid
- Best humidifier for plants: Beurer Wellbeing Humidifier
- Best humidifier for larger rooms: Stadler Form Oskar Humidifier
How to choose the best humidifier
“Many adults suffering with asthma, eczema or allergies choose to buy humidifiers,” says Dr Semiya Aziz, general practitioner and founder of Say GP. “However, it’s important to do your research before purchasing. For example, cool-mist humidifiers may ease a stuffy nose during a cold, whereas a heated humidified air doesn’t seem to have the same result and may be of no benefit.”
If you have allergies, asthma, or skin conditions, speak to a healthcare professional before use. Remember, a humidifier is a home remedy, not a medical treatment.
They also differ in capacity. Some are quite large and designed for bigger rooms, while other models are compact and good for use in a bedroom or child’s nursery. There’s also the option with some humidifiers to add aromatherapy oils or vapour discs to enhance the overall experience. Some even double as air purifiers.
How we test humidifiers
I tested a variety of models from leading brands over several weeks, placing each one in different areas of the house where they would work best.
For a fair comparison, I put many of them side by side to measure how each humidifier performed and looked. I considered how easy they were to set up, whether they could be used with aromatherapy oils or additional filters and how powerful a mist they produced.
Humidifiers vary in how much noise they make, how much water they can hold and how far the mist reaches, which dictates the maximum room size they work in. With that in mind, I have rated them all on these criteria where available. Finally, I also took note of their design and general value for money.
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1. Best Buy Humidifier: Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool PH2 De-Nox
Score: 9/10
We Like: Purifies the air and cools at the same time
We don’t like: Not ideal for compact spaces as it’s large
£699.99Buy nowPrice atDyson
This is Dyson’s latest update to its Humidify+Cool PH04, our previous Best Buy humidifier. It looks just like its predecessor but has some hidden improvements to its already impressive air filtration (a HEPA H13 grade filter designed to capture ultra-fine particles, gases, odours and even formaldehyde). Now, there’s also a K-Carbon filter which Dyson says banishes up to 50 per cent more nitrogen-dioxide (NO2), an air-polluting gas. It still multitasks too, cooling the air as well as purifying and humidifying it, with 90-degree oscillation which sends it smoothly around the room.
As before, the water tank offers up to 36 hours of humidified air, while new “Ultraviolet Cleanse” technology zaps bacteria with light to remove any before it is added to the air. It’s even simple to fill and empty: open the clasps at the base and carry it by the folding top handle.
It comes with a remote control, but the device is also compatible with the MyDyson app and some voice services. You can set schedules and receive personalised air quality reports which tell you exactly what is in your air.
Set-up was easy and took me just a few minutes. The only issue I came across in testing was its 8kg weight, which meant I needed help pulling it out of the box. It is also fairly big, so perhaps not ideal for compact spaces. Each filter lasts a year and costs approximately £75 to replace.
Key specifications
- Capacity: 5 Litres
- Room size: 81m³
- Maximum noise level: 62.4 dB
- Features: Remote control function, app and voice control
2. Best Value Humidifier: Humio Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Score: 8/10
We like: Attractive design with large water capacity and lights
We don’t like: Would have also liked in-built sleep sounds
£89Buy nowPrice atEnergise Your Life
The Humio ultrasonic cool mist humidifier runs smoothly in a bedroom or nursery. It has a large tank, a rotating nozzle that can be positioned in different directions and a choice of ambient colours to aid sleep. It’s simple to set up and use via the two front buttons that control the light and mist. There’s also the option to add essential oils to the oil sponge to create a fragranced mist.
I was a little worried about carrying it from the base to empty the water out until I discovered the top handle, which makes transportation to the sink much easier. Just unscrew the neck to refill it and clean it. It also looks nice in a living space.
This humidifier is currently out of stock, but we’re keeping an eye out for a new stockist.
Key specifications
- Capacity: 1.3 litre water tank
- Room size: Up to 8.4m²
- Maximum noise level: Unspecified
- Features: Compatible with aromatic oils and functions as a night light
3. Best Humidifier for Babies: Glow Dreaming Kids Humidifier and Sleep Aid
Score: 9/10
We like: Helps to aid the sleep of babies and children
We don’t like: Hard to transport to the sink without spilling
£79.20Buy nowPrice atNatural Baby Shower
Designed by a NATO research engineer, Glow Dreaming is a humidifier and sleep aid specifically designed for children. I’ve used this model for months and, when my son was a baby, it became an essential at bedtime. Why? It features the same specific red LED light therapy used to help NASA astronauts sleep in space, along with pink noise that’s proven to further aid sleep and a cool mist humidifier to ease breathing and snoring.
It’s also safe to be used with medicinal-grade essential oil to relax the muscles and mind. I used this with lavender and sometimes menthol when my son had a cold.
Key specifications
- Capacity: 500ml water tank
- Room size: N/A; designed for use 1m away from your bed
- Maximum noise level: 70dB (for the pink noise)
- Features: Compatible with an app and doubles as a sleep aid
4. Best Humidifier for Coughs and Colds: Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier
Score: 9/10
We like: Good option for easing symptoms of a cold
We don’t like: Only comes with one essential oil pad
£56.99Buy now from Amazon UK
Or try these other retailers£53.99 | Buy now from Robert Dyas£58 | Buy now from Argos
When cough and cold season is upon us, this warm mist humidifier from Vicks is a Godsend. It has a large 3.8 litre water tank that creates a strong mist and a humidity level of between 40 and 60 per cent. Like the brand’s Vapour Rub, it’s also designed to help you sleep and breathe more easily when you, or your children, are congested. This is through the menthol pads, which infuse the steam with essential oils. You only get one “VapoPad” included, so it’s worth stocking up when you buy the humidifier, as this function is its main USP. Two pads cost just over £6 on Amazon.
The tank should give you enough water for approximately 24 hours of use, which is plenty for overnight and is great for a larger space or bedroom. Other handy features include an auto shutoff and quiet mode. I also like its reasonable price point.
Key specifications
- Capacity: 3.8 litres
- Room size: up to 37m²
- Maximum noise level: 54dB
- Features: Can add menthol pad for soothing vapours
5. Best Air Purifier and Humidifier: Meaco Deluxe 202 Humidifier
Score: 9/10
We like: Powerful warm or cool mist options
We don’t like: Design is a little corporate
£99.99Buy now from Amazon UK
Or try these other retailers£99.99 | Buy now from B&Q£99.99 | Buy now from Meaco UK
Given all the features that this Meaco humidifier comes with, it’s actually surprisingly easy to use and set up. It includes a large limescale filter to soften hard water before it becomes a mist, a hot and cold mist function and a variable mist output that helps distribute it evenly throughout a room.
Other functions are its HEPA filter that retains 97.3 per cent of particles 0.3 micrometres in diameter, adjustable humidity level and an active charcoal filter that can help remove odours, making it good for a kitchen.
It’s designed for a larger room or office space up to 65m². While a little corporate to look at, it is neat and didn’t take up too much space on our kitchen worktop during testing. All its tech makes it slightly more expensive than other more straightforward models, but it’s still good value for what it brings to your home.
Key specifications
- Capacity: 5.3 litres
- Room size: Up to 65m²
- Maximum noise level: 45dB
- Features: Multiple settings and remote controlled
6. Best Humidifier for Larger Rooms: Stadler Form Oskar Humidifier
Score: 9/10
We like: Ideal for larger rooms up to 50m²
We don’t like: Minimalist design may not suit all interiors
£272.31Buy nowPrice atAmazon
This futuristic model from Stadler Form may not look like a traditional humidifier, but it offers all of the classic functions, plus some great extras. First off, it’s easy to set up and features two eco-friendly refillable filter cassettes in the base that are made from an antibacterial plant material. You pour the water in the side inlet, checking the water level via a handy window.
It’s also economical to use and consumes six to 18 Watts thanks to a built-in hygrometer and two-speed fan. You can even adjust the hygrometer to control how much moisture is put into your environment. Aromatherapy oils can be added into the dedicated compartment too, but the filters need to be replaced every three months. A pack of two costs around £20.
Key specifications
- Capacity: 3.5 litres
- Room size: Up to 50m²
- Maximum noise level: 39dB
- Features: Built-in and adjustable hygrometer
7. Best Smart Humidifier: Blueair Humidifier H35i
Score: 8/10
We like: Fairly compact and easy to use
We don’t like: Wi-Fi setup took a bit of time
£109Buy nowPrice atAmazon
Blueair’s first humidifier in the UK, the H35i, is an easy-to-set-up and compact device that can be controlled by its touchscreen interface or the free-to-use Blueair app. I found it fairly straightforward, but connecting to the Wi-Fi took some time.
Both the machine’s interface and app give instant humidity readings. The app also shows the room’s indoor temperature and the life left in the machine’s air purification filter. You can use it to set a timer and control the LED light on the base and the fan speed too. In all honesty, I don’t think it is a must-use app, though, as the onboard interface is pretty straightforward.
The design is convenient to use and I liked that you can increase the water level by pouring it into the top grate and that the tank can be cleaned in the dishwasher. There’s also a fan setting that makes the room feel refreshed and a night function that quiets it, so that it doesn’t disturb your sleep. It’s discreet too, so would easily sit in the corner of a room or on a worktop without becoming an eyesore.
Key specifications
- Capacity: 3.5 litres
- Room size: Up to46m2
- Maximum noise level: Unspecified
- Features: Tank can be put in the dishwasher, instant humidity readings
8. Best Humidifier for Plants:Beurer Wellbeing Humidifier
Score: 8/10
We like: Slim, compact size that’s ideal for bedrooms and living spaces
We don’t like: Design is a little basic
£69.99Buy nowPrice atAmazon
This humidifier from Beurer is a great option if you want to fragrance your room while controlling the humidity, as it comes with 15 aroma pads. Aside from this, it features low-noise ultrasonic humidification technology and humidification output up to 300ml/h.
I liked the visible water level and colour display, which meant I could easily see when the four-litre tank was running low. If it runs out of water without you noticing or at night, the automatic shut-off function makes it safe to leave unattended. It uses Microfine atomisation with ultrasound, which means it creates a good mist while being quiet. Combined with a five-hour run time, it’s a good option to place in a bedroom to ease breathing in the night. It’s a happy coincidence that most of my house plants are in my bedroom, so they benefit from the added moisture in the air.
Key specifications
- Capacity: 4 litres
- Room size: Up to 30m²
- Maximum noise level: 25dB
- Features: Clear water display and option for scented mist
9. Best Cool Mist Humidifier: Levoit Classic 300s Ultrasonic Levoit Smart Humidifier
Score: 8/10
We like: Can be controlled via app or smart device
We don’t like: Leaks a little
£79.99Buy nowPrice atAmazon
This smart humidifier from Levoit is a reviewer favourite thanks to its neat, easy-to-use design and handy app. It can be controlled by the front LED display, or you can connect it to the Levoit app to control humidity levels and adjust mist levels. There’s also the option to connect it to your own smart device to control it via Google Assistant.
If you want to use it in the bedroom at night, you can turn off the LED panel, switching to the quiet sleep mode and night light. The six-litre tank is large enough to run without needing regular top-ups and the mist function reaches to 47m2. I’m not sure I’d personally use it with the app or smart device as it feels like an unnecessary over-complication, but if you like connecting all of your home systems together, this is the humidifier for you.
Key specifications
- Capacity: 6 litres
- Room size: Up to 47m²
- Maximum noise level: 40dB
- Features: Four mist levels, aromatherapy option and night light functionality
10. Best Humidifier for Air Purification: Maxi-Cosi 3-in-1 Smart Air Purifier with HEPA Filter
Score: 7/10
We like: Compact and contemporary design
We don’t like: Took a while to connect to Wi-Fi
£87.95Buy nowPrice atAmazon
This newly released 3-in-1 Smart Air Purifier is designed by trusted baby brand Maxi-Cosi and is designed for use in a child’s bedroom or nursery. While it doesn’t create steam, it cleans the air with a HEPA 13 filtration system said to remove 99.7 per cent of visible dust, allergens and airborne particles. I used this when visiting my parents, as they have a dog and my son has an allergy, to ensure that the air where he slept was clean.
Set up is easy: simply remove the base to fit the HEPA filter and plug it into the mains. There’s a QR code to connect the device to the Connected Home app, which lets you sync it up with your Alexa or Google device. Within the app, you can create sleep routines, optimising the humidifier’s in-built night light and four soothing sounds.
The small and contemporary design of this air purifier means it can sit discreetly in my son’s bedroom or packed with us on a trip. Maintenance and cleaning is also easy. The filter has 1,000 hours of life (or 90 days) and when it needs replacing, the fan icon will flash red. You can also remove larger bits of dust or debris from it using a soft brush. Finally, a sleep mode makes it an easy and intuitive device that fits effortlessly into everyday life.
Key specifications
- Capacity: 3.8 litres
- Room size: Unspecified
- Maximum noise level: Unspecified
- Features: Comes with bedroom night timer, light and sleep sounds for baby
Humidifier FAQs
How do humidifiers work?
“Humidifiers release water vapour or steam to boost the amount of moisture in the air,” explains Dr Semiya Aziz, general practitioner and founder of Say GP.
Dr Helen Evans-Howells, GP and Allergy Expert adds, “There are several different types, using either an evaporation, steam or ultrasonic technique. Many humidifiers have controls to allow you to adjust the humidity level. It is felt that a level of 30 to 50 per cent would be optimal to improve health.”
What are the benefits of humidifiers?
“Adding a humidifier to your home can have its pros and cons,” says Dr Aziz. Here’s what it can and can’t help with:
- Airways and allergies: In some studies, humidifiers have been found to benefit people with allergies. “In those suffering with a dry cough, the moisture produced from a humidifier may precipitate a productive cough, helping to remove phlegm from the airways,” says Dr Aziz. “Humidifiers can also help with snoring as they lubricate the airways.” However, a humidifier is unlikely to help with hay fever or asthma, as mould and dust mites can thrive in humid conditions, potentially exacerbating symptoms.
- Reducing viruses in the air: “Some studies suggest that using a humidifier may reduce the likelihood of catching flu or a cold, especially if humidity levels rise above 40 per cent.” This, Dr Aziz explains, is because it deactivates the virus particles, making the virus less infectious.
- Protecting the skin barrier: During dry weather spells the lips, hair and skin, all become more fragile, so using a humidifier may prevent or ease skin irritation. For eczema, it’s more complicated. For some, explains Dr Aziz, it may “calm, hydrate and keep the skin supple”. But, adds Dr Evans-Howells, while some suggest using a humidifier when the heating is on to maintain a humidity of 30 to 50 per cent, it’s not a panacea: “The clinical evidence is mixed, with some reporting a reduction in their itch and improvement in skin quality and others suggesting it causes a deterioration in eczema.” It’s always important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
What type of humidifier is best: warm mist or cool mist?
This all depends on what benefits you’re after. Warm mist is better at eliminating germs and bacteria from the atmosphere and is ideal for warming colder rooms with chilly air. Warm air humidifiers often tend to be slightly quieter than those creating cool air.
Cool air humidifiers are a better option for use in children and baby’s bedrooms for safety reasons and they’re also shown to be better at easing coughs and colds. Finally, they’re a little bit more cost effective in terms of energy consumption.
How do I choose the right size humidifier for my room?
The size of the humidifier you choose depends on the room you intend to put it in. All humidifiers specify the reach of their air purification, so you can compare this to the size of your room. Smaller humidifiers are generally better for bedrooms and nurseries and larger models are better for living spaces.
Can humidifiers cause mould?
“If humidifiers aren’t maintained properly or if humidity levels are too high, you may do more harm than good,” warns Dr Aziz. “Mould or bacteria can grow in dirty humidifiers, defeating the object of using a humidifier in the first place. They may even trigger flu-like symptoms or even lung problems. In situations where there is an increased risk of mould or dust mites as a consequence of excess moisture, a dehumidifier may be of benefit, since it dries moisture from the air.”
She adds that even the cleaning of the humidifier with products that contain chemicals or bleach may be an irritant to the respiratory system. “Humidifiers can potentially emit minerals and microorganisms, which are not necessarily harmful, but the residue can bother people with asthma, so it’s important to use distilled water rather than tap water in order to avoid this problem.”