There are many great reasons for you to get a humidifier, and this becomes even more important in the cold winter. The dry air in winter can make your skin dry, carry viruses, and cause other health issues. One way to prevent this is by getting the best humidifier for winter, as this will give you the air moisture needed to make your home a lot more comfortable.
To help you find the perfect product for your home, we’ve scanned through 54 different models available on the market today and picked 10 of them, which we liked the most. While all of them are brilliant, we found that the LEVOIT LV600HH stands out from the competition. It has a large capacity and coverage area, easy-to-use display, and also looks stylish. However, it could be that your requirements are a bit different, which is why we’ve also reviewed 9 other top-class models.
To find the best humidifier for winter, you have to consider various parameters such as the mist type, coverage area, capacity, runtime, and weight. It’s a lot to take in, but that’s where we can help. Here, we provide only the best information as we’ve consulted numerous experts and have completed countless hours of research. As a result, we have our comparison table that comes along with the extensive reviews of each product, a complete buying guide, and FAQs. By the time we get to the end, you’ll know exactly what we need.
More features: remote control, 1-12 h timer, ultra-quiet operation, auto shut-off, package includes cleaning brush, aroma pads, absorption pads
This model is our Editor’s Choice, and there are many reasons why. This humidifier is second to none in terms of versatility. If it’s within your budget, it will make a perfect choice.
With the near-silent operation it has, you’ll barely notice that it’s even on. While it’s ideal for the bedroom, it can also be used in all other areas of the home. This includes larger rooms that need a much wider level of coverage.
The number of features it has is stunning as you’re able to set your desired humidity level, choose the type of mist, its intensity, and more. There is also a timer, which can be very helpful if you want to keep it running for several hours more after you go to bed. Added to that, you can set all of these modes with remote control.
Unfortunately, there seem to be minor quality control issues with a few users getting defective products. Thankfully, this happens rarely but is still worthy to note. What most people receive is a fantastic humidifier that will show great performance for years to come.
With its 6-liter tank capacity, it will give you the option to run for up to 36 hours. At just under 5lbs, this is one of the heaviest models out there but is still light enough to be moved around your home.
More features: auto shut-off, 2 settings, filter-free design, quiet operation, soft glowing nightlight, medicine cup
The lack of a filter on this humidifier may be seen as either a positive or negative. It does mean that you don’t have to constantly change the filter, which many users see as a bit of an annoyance and an ongoing maintenance cost.
The downside is that you either have to only put filtered water into it or accept more cleaning because of the build-up. If you already have a water filter at home, then you may much prefer to have a humidifier without one, but this will come down to personal preference.
There is no digital display here, which does limit its usability, but you have to consider this is more of a budget option that provides excellent value for money. In lieu of a display, a dial makes it easy to adjust the settings.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that while being a cheaper model, it may lack quality. Instead, its durability is impressive, and this is backed by a long 3-year warranty. It should give you the confidence that you’ll receive a high-quality humidifier.
Additionally, this humidifier comes with a soft glowing nightlight, which allows you to use it while sleeping. You can also use a medicine cup, which is ideal for any user who may be particularly health-conscious. All of these features come in a lovely casing, which has a handle at the top for simpler portability.
More features: 360-degree mist nozzle, easy to fill and clean, includes disc cleaning brush, nightlight, automatic shut-off, two speed settings
If you’re looking for the best humidifier for baby in the winter, then this could well be the winner. The reason for this is due to it being small enough to keep it out of reach, very quiet, and also having a beautifully soft nightlight.
There is one design feature, which is a bit annoying. Whenever you turn it on or off, it makes a rather obnoxious beeping sound. It’s unclear why the designers thought that this would be a good idea as it’s just an annoyance.
It only has a capacity of 1.5 liters making this an ideal solution for smaller rooms. It still performs very well, and the 360-degree nozzle is perfect at being able to distribute the mist around the room in an even manner.
The compact design is going to be ideal for many users. This is especially true for those who travel around for business or frequently to family. It means that you can take it with you and not miss out on the benefits that it’s able to provide.
Usability is very high here as the controls are very simple, and that is also true when it comes to refilling the tank. As well as that usability, this humidifier is also very easy to clean. It all adds up to a perfect humidifier for those looking for something a little smaller.
More features: filterless design, auto shut-off, essential oil tray, nightlight, whisper-quiet, up to 9 oz. per hour mist output
This humidifier takes on a different look when compared to many of its rivals. The black look is very stylish and sleek, but some people may prefer to have a softer white version. Whichever color you get, you’ll love this fantastic humidifier.
It has a 6-liter tank, which gives it a few great advantages. Firstly, it has excellent runtime, which is 50 hours without refilling on the lower setting. Next, it also has a coverage area of 500 square feet, which is going to be ideal for almost all rooms.
Its amazing filterless design means that you won’t have to pay some extra cash to replace them. Another great feature of this humidifier is that it’s able to disperse essential oils into the air. This adds to the health benefits that you can get while using this model.
One area where this device can be a little troublesome is with the cleaning. It can be a little bit of a pain to get into those hard-to-reach areas to get rid of residue completely. Apart from that, the maintenance demands of this humidifier are quite low.
Along with all of the great features that we’ve looked at here, the humidifier also has a great hourly mist output of up to 9 ounces. That makes it ideal for increasing the humidity level in no time.
More features: easy to fill and clean, 3 comfort settings, dishwasher safe water tank and tray, wicking filter, UV kills up to 99.9% of bacteria and mold
This model is a little different from the ones that we’ve looked at already, as it’s an evaporative type that also uses UV light. That light is going to kill up to 99.9% of bacteria, making this one of the healthiest humidifiers around.
While the previous model that we reviewed is a bit tricky to clean, this one is very simple. It’s also very easy to fill, which helps to make it very user-friendly. The tank and the tray are dishwasher safe, which will seem appealing to those users who don’t want to scrub everything with a brush.
One drawback here is that it’s quite heavy when compared to some of its rivals, so it will be harder to carry it around your house.
On the other hand, the humidifier has an elegant style that will blend with the décor of any room. With a 1.1 gallon capacity, it’s able to hold plenty of water, which results in a runtime of 24 hours with a fairly high level of mist output.
The wicking filter has a great level of effectiveness to show great results time and time again. If you plan on keeping your humidifier in one constant place, then this is perhaps going to be the perfect model for you.
More features: filterless design, auto shut-off, nightlight, 360-degree rotatable mist nozzle, built-in carry handle, dustproof sponge, comes with cleaning brush
If you showed this model to anyone unaware, they’d most likely have no idea what it is. The elegant and modern design hides this humidifier that will be able to give you perfect results time and time again.
The 1.6-gallon tank is huge, and you’ll be surprised to know how long you can go without filling it. For example, if you run it for 8 hours a day on the lowest setting, then you’re not going to have to refill the tank for over a week.
There are a couple of accessories that help to make cleaning this unit very easy, such as a dustproof sponge and a brush. It helps to keep maintenance down to a minimum and makes this process quick and easy.
On the whole, this is a very quiet model, but at times, it can make a slightly noticeable high-pitched sound, which some can find annoying. Aside from that minor issue, it’s a humidifier that will work time and time again seamlessly without fail.
With the large hole on the top of the humidifier, it is very easy to fill it without spilling a drop. As for the design of the front panel, there is a control knob that is simple to use. Therefore, getting the perfect settings for you shouldn’t be an issue.
More features: permanent ceramic filter, anti-microbial tank & base, 5 mist settings, remote control, rotating mist nozzle, adjustable humidistat, aroma tray
Here’s another humidifier that takes on a highly unique look that many people are going to fall in love with. It weighs a little over 5lbs, which is a little more than most other models, so it doesn’t have the highest level of portability.
One of the negatives of the design is that there is no way of checking the water level, which is a slight inconvenience. On the other hand, with a tank capacity of 1.7 gallons, the water inside is going to last for a maximum of 96 hours, so you won’t have to fill it often.
The humidifier is perfect for any room as it’s able to cover up to 500 square feet. The mist that it produces is very healthy thanks to the ceramic filter that will last for the lifetime. The tank also has anti-microbial qualities.
It doesn’t have completely silent operation, but it only makes a low hum, which is going to quickly fade into the background. Another great feature we see here is the split nozzle it has, which helps to make sure that the coverage is as even as possible.
If you want to add essential oils, then there is a specific tray for that. As for the convenience, it boasts an excellent LED display and remote control. It makes it extremely easy to set your desired mode to create the perfect conditions for you.
More features: whisper-quiet, 360-degree mist lid, variable speed settings, automatic shut-off, easy to disassemble and clean
If you haven’t found a humidifier that matches your style yet, then you are sure to find it here. Along with the more typical blue and white model shown, there are also seven other beautiful colors available with this device, so you can get the right one that fits your décor.
While many people are going to love the teardrop design with the thin nozzle, it can be a little tricky to refill because you will have to turn it upside down for that. While that can be a bit annoying, it’s only a minor frustration.
With a capacity of 1 gallon, you won’t have to refill it every day. With around 24 hours of runtime and the coverage area up to 500 square feet, it is going to be suitable for a wide range of different rooms.
The control dial of this humidifier is simple to use, so it will be much easier to find the perfect setting. At the highest level, this model is going to change a dry room into a comfortable one in no time at all.
It’s very easy to maintain, although it includes a bit of cleaning, which is going to be no fuss at all. It’s also very quiet, and you’ll be able to enjoy the peace it gives you. It’s another wonderful option, and those colors help to set it apart from its rivals.
More features: nightlight, built-in humidistat, sleep mode, automatic shut-off, quiet operation, microporous filter cartridge
This is one of the best cool mist humidifiers for winter. You take one look at it, and you’re going to be impressed with the stylish blue light, sleek design, and also the digital control panel, which is also very easy to use.
If you don’t like white color, then there are also other excellent color options out there for you to choose from. It has a good level of capacity, which gives you a runtime of up to 30 hours before you’re going to refill it.
There are a few features here that make it an ideal humidifier for the nighttime. One of those is the nightlight, which is soft and soothing. Next, it has a sleep mode, while with other types of humidifiers, you just have to rely on the auto shut-off feature kicking in when they run out of water. It allows you to be able to sleep with peace of mind.
Another factor that makes it great for the nighttime and also any other time of the day is the fact it’s so quiet. The only downside here is that not everyone fount it comfortable to fill with water. However, all you need is a bit of patience and accuracy with that.
The usability of this humidifier is very high, as you’ll be an expert in no time at all and get your home to the perfect level of humidity. The tall nature of the model is also useful as it gives it a small footprint, allowing you to place it in many different locations. Additionally, this humidifier is quite light and portable.
More features: 3 mist levels, auto shut-off, nightlight, sleep mode, aromatherapy box, 360° rotating nozzle, waterproof touch panel, sponge ring
The wonderful boxed design of this humidifier makes it ideal for putting it on your work desk or anywhere in your home. Despite that more compact size, it still has plenty of functionality.
There are three different mist levels that are very easy to control with other standard features, such as automatic shut-off, a nightlight, and sleep mode. There is also an aromatherapy box that will excite many different users.
While it doesn’t weigh too much, there is no handle, so it can be a little awkward to carry. Other parts of the humidifier rank a lot higher in terms of their usability. It’s very easy to fill with a wide lid that will prevent any spills.
The 360-degree nozzle will give your room an even coverage of humidity to prevent any dry spots. The overall potential coverage of the humidifier is up to 322 square feet, and that’s an impressive figure for its size.
The touch control panel is waterproof and very easy to use while also being stylish. The overall look of the humidifier is impressive with the clear tank, which is fascinating as you see how it works while also being able to keep a close eye on the water level.
As we can see here, humidifiers come in all shapes and sizes. It can be hard to know which one is going to be right for your situation as there are plenty of different factors to take into account. In this buying guide, we’ll give you all the information you need to make the right choice. We break this down into analyzing all the key features and also answering FAQs. Read on, and by the end of the section, everything will become much simpler.
When the cold months come around, the air can become dry. When this is combined with your internal heating systems, it can quickly suck all the moisture out of your skin. Therefore, there are multiple clear benefits of using a humidifier in the winter.
Stops viruses – In dry air, viruses can roam freely, but when they make contact with water, this can make them drop to the ground. Using a humidifier for winter will give you a safer environment.
Prevents snoring – That extra moisture in the air can help to soothe the throat and lubricate it, allowing for less chance of snoring.
Protects dry skin – Skin can very quickly feel horrible and dry in colder air, especially when the heating is on. A humidifier will help to protect you against that.
Prevents wooden furniture damages – Dry wood can crack and shrivel when there is no moisture in the air; this also becomes more of a fire risk. Wood needs the right level of moisture to be at its best.
Prevents static – No-one likes too much static electricity as not only is it annoying, but also it can mess up your laundry and hair. A great humidifier will prevent this.
Choosing the best humidifier for winter comes down to what features are going to be most important to you. It could be capacity, portability or even the ability to add essential oils. Everyone is different, and it’s about being able to judge what is right for you. As we go through each section, it’s a great idea to note down how important it is to your needs. By the time you get to the end, you’ll have a clear picture of how to get the best humidifier for winter.
Evaporative technology is the traditional type, and this is the method of simply heating water and letting it evaporate into the air. These humidifiers are usually cheaper and noisier, but they still can show excellent results.
Ultrasonic humidifiers, like the Miroco MI-AH001 Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier, are extremely energy-efficient and are much cleaner as they don’t use a heating source, instead, they use ultrasonic vibrations to vaporize the water. This makes them very quiet, and also there are no hot surfaces, so these models are quite safe. However, they tend to be more expensive.
You can find different models that produce cold or warm mist. Cool mist humidifiers are more common nowadays as they require no heating and put the mist out at room temperature. They usually use less electricity and are safer to touch. As you’ll be using them in a warm room, you don’t need to worry about the ‘cool’ aspect making you cold in winter. An excellent example here is the Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier.
Warm mist humidifiers, like the Vicks V745A, use a heating element that will kill any bacteria before it’s released. The warm mist will hardly make a difference to room temperature as the water vapor will very quickly cool.
It’s important to know how big the room is where you want to put your humidifier. The coverage area is worked out by calculating the square feet of your room. This is easily done by multiplying the length of the room by the width. If you have an oddly shaped room, then you can break this down into segments. Once you have this figure, then you’ll be able to know which model of humidifier you need.
If you have a large room or want to use your humidifier in multiple locations, you should consider getting one with a bigger coverage area. It could also be that you don’t want to carry it around much, so purchasing more than one humidifier can be a great idea.
The Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Humidifier is an example of a model with a great coverage area.
One annoying aspect of humidifiers is that you will need to refill them constantly. Getting a model with a large capacity would allow you to reduce this need and enjoy a longer runtime. There are a few things to consider, however.
A higher capacity means that it takes up more space, and it also means it would be very heavy once filled. Also, if you only have limited use for your humidifier, this could mean that the water will sit in there for longer periods. While a large capacity may seem like a better solution, it’s not always the right way to go.
The biggest impact on runtime is going to be the capacity of the humidifier. It’s worth noting that some models have a high maximum output, which means a smaller runtime but a lot more moisture into the water.
It’s worth noting that many companies will show a huge runtime, but this figure will often be the runtime on the lowest setting. It’s a good idea to have a further look beyond the headline figures to see exactly how long it’ll run on your desired setting. For example, the Miroco MI-AH001 Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is going to work up to 60 hours without needing to be refilled.
Are you going to be moving your humidifier around different rooms or keeping it in one place? If it’s the latter, then weight and portability aren’t going to be an issue. As soon as you have it plugged in, you can enjoy the benefit it provides.
If you do plan on moving it, then this becomes more of an issue with dimensions and weight that needs to be suitable for you. You’ll also notice that some humidifiers come with handles, whereas others don’t. As they are quite an awkward shape, a handle can make your life a whole lot easier. The Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is a great example of a highly portable option.
As you’ve seen, the design of these units can change dramatically from one model to the next. While a lot of this will be down to personal preference, there are a few design features to look out for.
One of these is an LED display, which makes controlling the settings very easy with great visual feedback. This can also be aided by having a remote control. Less expensive models often simply have a dial, which is good enough for most people.
Also, you have to see whether it has a filter or not and what type of filter it is. A cartridge filter, for example, can be highly effective but does add an ongoing maintenance cost. Other filters, such as ceramic, are permanent.
Cleaning is also a factor with humidifiers as minerals and grime can build up over time. A lot of these models come with cleaning brushes, which can be very useful.
If you have your humidifier in the living room of a busy household, then the noise isn’t going to be an issue. A common place where people put their humidifiers is in a bedroom, and, therefore, you have to think about a noiseless unit.
Ultrasonic humidifiers, such as the Levoit LV600HH, are known for being extremely quiet and at most only produce a low hum. Some are quieter than others, so make sure you’re getting one with a low volume level if you’ll be sleeping right near it. Evaporative humidifiers make more noise, so it can disrupt you when you are trying to fall asleep.
Nobody wants to have to watch their humidifier like a hawk to make sure the water doesn’t run out. You also don’t want to be worrying about it when you are trying to get to sleep. Because of this, having an automatic shut-off feature is hugely helpful.
Many models will be able to detect when the water runs out and will turn off automatically. Another safety aspect to look out for is ensuring the humidifier doesn’t get too hot. This is only consideration with evaporative and warm mist models.
As well as these key features, there are also some extra things to look out for.
Nightlight – This is perfect for giving your room a soothing light at night for children or anyone who doesn’t like sleeping in the pitch black.
Timer – Do you need your humidifier to wake up at a specific time every day? A programmable timer will be your best friend, and it can also help to save you plenty of energy.
Nozzle – Pointing the nozzle in just one direction can mean spots in your room where the water vapor won’t get. A 360-degree rotating nozzle will give you consistent coverage.
Additional trays – If you love aromatherapy or essential oil, then some models come with trays where you’re going to be able to add this.
Thankfully, getting a high-quality humidifier won’t set you back too much. The Levoit LV600HH is a premium option at just under $100 for those who want brilliant performance while also having the perks of a brilliant control system.
Just below that figure, there are the likes of Air Innovations MH-701BA and the Honeywell HCM350W at around $75 that have immense style while also having a very high level of quality.
You’ll find a lot of great humidifiers at around $50. The best value for money can be seen around the $40 mark as they are cheaper, but they will still have impressive qualities. The Vicks V745A is a great example of this.
You would be able to pair them with heaters in most cases, but this isn’t something you should do without checking the manual. It’s always important to check what the manufacturer says about that first, and if you’re unsure, ask a question about the specific model to be able to get the answer you need.
While all the humidifiers that we have looked at here are brilliant, we have picked our top three models.
That being said, we thought the Levoit LV600HH was able to stand out from the rest. It not only looks stylish but also boasts a lot of impressive features, such as silent operation, selectable mist types, and remote control.
Are you looking for something more affordable? Then the Vicks V745A is going to be a perfect model for you. It is a warm mist humidifier with a simple and lovely design.
It could be though that you need something different. The Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is perfect for small rooms. It is compact, quiet, and has a beautiful soft nightlight.
Whatever one you choose, you’ll find yourself a high-quality humidifier. Not only do they look great, but you’ll be able to get all of the health benefits that come with them. All that’s left to do is purchase the best humidifier for winter that matches your requirements.
