The 7 Best Cool Mist Humidifiers, Tested by Us

Breathe easier and get relief from dry air with one of our top picks.

Winter weather often brings dry air, which can wreak havoc on humidity levels in your home. Low humidity can lead to dry, itchy skin and it can even worsen colds or coughs that also tend to arrive with cold, dry weather. In that case, it could be beneficial to seek out a cool mist humidifier to place in individual rooms. 

“The ideal humidity range that I recommend to patients is somewhere between 30 or 40 percent,” says Omar Waqar, M.D., an allergist at ENT and Allergy Associates. If your humidity levels are below this range, it might be time to find a humidifier.

While it’s easy to get caught up in extra features, such as night-lights or essential oil diffusers, Brad Roberson, president of Aire Serv, a Neighborly company recommends paying close attention to a humidifier’s capacity and room size before purchasing. 

“Over-sizing a single-room humidifier can lead to organic growth, such as mold and mildew, as well as cause damage to the home and furniture, and create unpleasant odors related to the organic growth,” Roberson says. “An under-sized unit may be ineffective and not deliver desired results.”

In addition to Waqar and Roberson, we also spoke to Alison Ehrlich, M.D., FAAD, a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, for expert insights.

What We Tested

To find the best cool mist humidifiers, we put nearly 50 models to the test, both in our testing lab and in our own homes. To determine each humidifier’s overall value, we evaluated the products based on six categories: setup, effectiveness, design, size, and ease of cleaning. 

To learn more about how we tested cool mist humidifiers, check out our testing process below.

Best Overall: Vicks EasyCare+ TopFill Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

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Why You Should Get It

• This option is easy to use and refill, is quiet, and can be used with Vicks VapoPads, Vapo Steam, or essential oils for aromatherapy.

Keep in Mind

• The low setting doesn’t produce as much noticeable humidity as the high setting.

The Vicks EasyCare+ is the best cool mist humidifier for a number of reasons, not least of which is the easy set up process. We found the instructions easy to follow and appreciated how simple it was to add essential oil into the opening at the top of the lid for a bit of aromatherapy. Thanks to the clear tank, it’s easy to see when you need to refill it with water. And because it’s a top-fill option, you can take it right to the sink or pour distilled water directly into the top when it’s ready for a refill. 

The humidifier noticeably increased humidity in the room within just 30 minutes on the high setting. The humidity levels didn’t feel noticeably higher when the machine was on low. While running on low, the humidifier didn’t pull much water. When running on high, the humidifier used more water, but the tank was still about half full after we ran the unit for three hours, meaning you won’t constantly be refilling this model.

Both the high and low settings were so quiet that we only noticed quiet dripping and whirring sounds when standing right next to it. And the humidifier was easy to clean, with no visible limescale or pink mold buildup. We noticed our nasal passages weren’t as dry and some mild congestion cleared after using a combination of the humidifier and essential oils.

How It Performed After Six Months

When testing the humidifier at home, the water tank lasted us an average of two nights. We appreciated that the small size allowed the device to fit under our bathroom faucet, and with regular maintenance, we didn’t find any mineral buildup.

Product Details: Type: Ultrasonic | Room size: 250 square feet | Capacity: 0.6 gallons | Dimensions: 8.6×8.5×8.6 inches | Run time: Up to 24 hours

Key Terms to Know

• Ultrasonic: Most cool mist humidifiers operate using this technology, which releases a fine mist into the air through high-frequency vibrations.
• Evaporative: This type of humidifier draws water into a wick, or filter, then uses a fan to turn the water into vapor.
• Hygrometer: A device that measures humidity levels. Some humidifiers include a built-in hygrometer, and we used an external device to measure effectiveness throughout our tests.

Best Budget: Levoit Dual 150 Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

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Why You Should Get It

• A top-fill tank, sizable capacity, and diffuser make this a feature-rich humidifier that’s also wallet-friendly.

Keep in Mind

• Though easy enough, cleaning the model took 50 minutes.

On the hunt for a budget-friendly humidifier? This Levoit model features a top-fill tank for ease of use, includes an essential oil diffuser, can hold up to 0.79 gallons of water, and can rotate 360 degrees. It sounds a bit too good to be true, but trust us when we say it’s definitely real. 

It earned top marks for effectiveness, and we noticed an immediate increase in the room’s humidity while on the high setting. The low setting still added moisture to the air, though it wasn’t quite as noticeable. Both settings were quiet, with only a subtle sound of water bubbling when we stood nearby. 

The water tank holds up to 0.79 gallons. During our tests, we were able to run the humidifier for eight hours on both high and low without needing to refill the tank.

Cleaning the humidifier was a bit more involved with the filter, sound silencer, and float needing to be disassembled and soaked in vinegar for 20 minutes. We spent a total of 50 minutes cleaning and reassembling the humidifier. Though a simple process, it was a bit more time-consuming overall.

How it Performed After Six Months

When using the humidifier in our bedroom, it was quiet enough that we never heard it over our white noise machine. In our weekly cleanings, we sometimes noticed a slight discoloration in the tank, which wiped off easily and was likely caused by our tap water.

Product Details: Type: Ultrasonic | Room size: 290 square feet | Capacity: 0.79 gallons | Dimensions: 8.6×8.5×8.6 inches | Run time: Up to 25 hours

Best Splurge: Dyson PH3A Purifier Humidify+Cool Autoreact

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Why You Should Get It

• It doubles as an air purifier.

Keep in Mind

• The water tank may leak when being pulled out of the unit, and a deep clean may take an hour or more.

Dyson is known for its advanced technology, and that is evident in their Humidify+ Cool Autoreact humidifier as well. In addition to adding moisture to the air, this model also acts as an air purifier. Not only that, but the Dyson runs the water used through a UV light to remove bacteria before humidifying the room. This even removes mineral buildup, making clean up a bit easier. 

Though we found the setup process pretty simple, it actually took us more time to download and read through the owner’s manual to learn about all the features and how to operate the humidifier than to put the device together. 

The device has a sizable capacity—even when run on the high setting for eight hours, the tank wasn’t completely empty. When running on low, the humidifier was extremely quiet, but the high setting produced a louder noise, though it was comparable to a fan and quickly faded into background noise. While the wheeled water tank made refills convenient, we observed water pooled on the lid, which then spilled onto the carpet. This occurred each time, so you’ll want to be cautious pulling the water tank out and wipe up any spills immediately. 

Deep cleaning the model took us an hour and 20 minutes and the included instructions weren’t clear, so we had to research it online. In addition, Dyson recommends deep-cleaning the unit with citric acid, which adds a bit of extra cost. 

The unit displays air quality and humidity levels, plus it gives you the option of 45- or 90-degree oscillation or no oscillation, similar to a fan. It also comes with HEPA and carbon air purifier filters and a magnetized remote control for convenient storage right on the unit itself. While it comes at a splurge—nearly $800—if you’re looking for a sleek, feature-rich unit, the Dyson is worth the investment.

How It Performed After Six Months

When testing this all-in-one unit at home, our dry mouth and scratchy throat were reduced, and we measured around an average 15 percent change in humidity. Despite the unit’s large size, the handle on the water tank made it easy to take to our kitchen sink for filling. However, it won’t fit in small, shallow sinks, so it may be tricky to fill in some homes.

Product Details: Type: Evaporative | Room size: 871 square feet | Capacity: Not listed | Dimensions: 11x36x12 inches | Run time: Not listed

Best for Bedrooms: Vicks 3-in-1 SleepyTime Humidifier

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Why You Should Get It

• It has a built-in night-light and can be used with Vicks VapoPads.

Keep in Mind

• Overfilling the water tank is easy to do, and the high setting may add too much humidity, depending on your room size and preferences.

Using a humidifier in your bedroom can be especially beneficial if you’re experiencing allergies or a cold, and we recommend the Vicks 3-in-1 Sleepy Time Humidifier. It can easily humidify rooms up to 300 square feet, plus the model comes with a Vicks VapoPad, which can help ease congestion. We noted the Vicks scent started off strong but faded by the end of the day, so we switched to three to four drops of essential oils in the tank for a more consistent, longer-lasting scent. 

This unit increased the room’s humidity by an average of 15 percent over three days of testing on its low setting. It also used less than 2 cups of water per day, which is impressive given the increase in moisture levels we observed. After three days on the high setting, the average humidity  increase was an even more impressive 42 percent when measured in the same spot.

Both settings produced a low level of noise which was comparable to a sound machine used for sleeping. We ran the humidifier for eight hours before it needed a refill, and we enjoyed the night-light feature, which has seven color options and could be especially fun for a child’s bedroom. 

Refills are a snap since you simply pour water in, and it’s easy to see when the tank needs a refill. However, it was tricky for us to see when the tank was at capacity while refilling, so we overfilled it a few times. It’s also important to note that the tank’s cap takes up a bit of space, so you’ll want to leave a few centimeters of air in the tank rather than filling it to the brim with water. 

While cleaning, we didn’t see any visible mold or limescale on the unit. It’s a small tank, so it’s easier and quicker to clean—use vinegar to give the tank a good soak for up to 20 minutes and rinse it thoroughly, then wipe down the base.

How It Performed After Six Months

We found this device best for one-off uses, like when you or a family member are dealing with a cold. At its highest setting, the water capacity didn’t last through the night, and the small tank means you’ll need to refill the device every day. However, the small size made refilling and cleaning a breeze, as it fit in a shallow bathroom sink.

Product Details: Type: Ultrasonic | Room size: 100 to 300 square feet | Capacity: 0.6 gallons | Dimensions: 8.6×8.23×8.15 inches | Run time: Up to 24 hours

Best for Large Rooms: Lacidoll 4.2 Gal. Cool Mist Ultrasonic Whole House Humidifier

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Why You Should Get It

• This humidifier includes an essential oil diffuser tray, and can easily be refilled simply by pouring water into the top of the unit.

Keep in Mind

• The tank only has a 4-inch window, which doesn’t let you see when it is getting empty.

Larger spaces call for a humidifier than can handle more square feet, like the Lacidoll whole-house humidifier. It includes a diffuser tray for essential oils and can handle up to 1,000 square feet, much larger than many of the other models out there. With a capacity of over four gallons, it’s a cinch to refill the tank—just pour water into the top of the unit.

Setting up this humidifier was quick and easy, and the high setting immediately increased the humidity levels within the first hour. However, it also meant the air was thicker and heavier in the room, so you may not want to place this in a small space. By day two on high, a hygrometer reading showed an increase of 54 percent humidity.

We observed a few differences between the tube versus the cover. The cover only increased humidity for the first four hours of use, whereas the tube increased humidity throughout the day. On low with the mist cover, the humidity actually dropped by one percentage point at 10 feet away. Using the mist tube, humidity increased by 62 percent on day two. Both settings were very quiet.

The tank’s viewing window is rather small at four inches, so you may not be able to tell when the tank is empty. Yet even on high, the humidifier only used about a quarter of its 4.2-gallon capacity. We found it easy to operate using either the digital display or the remote control, which both operate a 12-hour timer that comes in handy at bedtime. No mold was visible when cleaning the unit, and this humidifier comes with a UV light for sterilizing water. 

How It Performed After Six Months

We were able to run this humidifier for three to four days without refilling the tank. Even when running the humidifier on low, it produced enough vapor to make a noticeable difference. The large capacity does have its downsides though, as we had to dump out a large amount of water that went unused as the weather changed. Plus, checking the water level required opening the tank, which was an inconvenience. Despite a few downsides, we still recommend the humidifier for large spaces.

Product Details: Type: Ultrasonic | Room size: Up to 1,000 square feet | Capacity: 4.2 gallons | Dimensions: 11.22×26.85×11.22 inches | Run time: Up to 60 hours

Best Dual Mist: Levoit OasisMist 450S Smart Humidifier

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Why You Should Get It

• This humidifier connects to an app to set timers and adjust its settings,

Keep in Mind

• It held onto bacteria more than the other models we tested.

Earning nearly perfect marks in all categories, this Levoit smart humidifier allows you to choose a cool or warm mist—also known as a dual-mist model. It comes assembled, so other than taking time to read the quick start guide, there was virtually no setup time required. 

It also comes with a pop-out panel with an absorbent pad to diffuse your choice of essential oils, and both high and low settings diffused scent thoroughly. None of the settings were loud, and the humidifier’s display indicates which setting is selected by a set of lighted dots (one for low, two for medium, three for high). 

On low, the humidifier used less than 6 cups of water (the tank holds about 19 cups in total) while it used less than 9 on high. We didn’t see any limescale, mold, or buildup, and it only took about six minutes to clean the unit. Descaling the tank took up to 40 minutes and 9 cups of vinegar to soak the tank, float pad, water filter, and noise silencer. However, when we tested the unit for bacteria using an agar plate, it held onto more bacteria than other models we tested.

Where this unit shines is its smart features and app connectivity. It allows you to set timers, change settings, and turn the machine on or off all through the app. And if you want to use a humidifier as part of your plant care routine, the app has a plant-identification feature, watering schedules, and reminders specifically for your plants.

How It Performed After Six Months

The device’s capacity continued to impress us throughout our long-term testing period, as it lasted us nearly 12 hours when filled to the top. Some film does form around the base, but we’ve found it easy to wipe away, and regular cleaning has been easy overall. 

Product Details: Type: Ultrasonic | Room size: 430 square feet | Capacity: 1.18 gallons | Dimensions: 6×11.97×10.8 inches | Run time: Up to 45 hours

Best for Nurseries: Pure Enrichment PureBaby Cloud Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

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Why You Should Get It

• This model’s cute cloud design includes a gentle night-light that’s perfect for sleeping little ones.

Keep in Mind

• It isn’t as powerful as other humidifiers we tested.

When it comes to babies and little ones, you’ll want something that’s easy to clean and that won’t be too loud, which is why the Pure Enrichment humidifier is our pick. 

For use in a kid’s room, we appreciated the cloud-shaped unit and night-light feature that can be used even when you’re not running the humidifier. It only took us only five minutes to take apart, clean, and reassemble this model, even though there are some nooks and crannies, which the included brush took care of. We didn’t see limescale or mold, which offers some peace of mind for use around littles in the nursery.

While on high, we felt the cool mist but didn’t observe any moisture accumulation on surrounding furniture or objects. The humidity level didn’t change as much as we experienced with other humidifiers, but the extra moisture did make the room more comfortable.

Refilling the humidifier is simple, since you just need to remove the tank from the base, flip it over, remove the cap, and add water. Keep in mind, the frosted design can make it tricky to see the water line, and the opening is on the smaller side. But overall, we appreciated how clean and easy this process was, with only a few droplets of water to wipe up after refilling. 

How It Performed After Six Months

The humidifier worked as expected throughout our long-term testing, and we noticed a difference in our congestion after using it overnight. However, the smaller opening did make it tricky to clean buildup, especially after letting it sit unused for a few weeks, so you’ll want to make sure to stay on top of cleaning and use distilled water.

Product Details: Type: Ultrasonic | Room size: 250 square feet | Capacity: 0.47 gallons | Dimensions: 9.8×6.8×5.5 inches | Run time: Up to 24 hours

The Bottom Line

After testing 50 humidifiers, we chose the Vicks EasyCare+ as our pick for the best cool mist humidifier. We found it easy to use and easy to refill during our testing process. It’s also quiet, allows you to use essential oils or Vicks products, and offers generous humidity levels without the need to constantly refill the water tank. 

Our Testing Process 

We spent over two years evaluating 50 humidifiers for setup, effectiveness, design, ease of cleaning, and overall value.

In our testing lab, we used hygrometers to measure humidity levels at 2 and 10 feet from each humidifier and observed the difference in humidity over the course of three days. For humidifiers that also included essential oil diffusers, we added drops of oil to test the effectiveness of the diffusers. We also tested dual mist humidifiers on their cool and warm mist options, when those features were available. 

We evaluated the noise level of each machine using a decibel meter and recorded how much water each unit used on low and high settings. We visually observed the humidifiers for any mold or limescale before cleaning and, when applicable, also observed filters. We then cleaned the humidifier, taking note of how easy or difficult it was to clean according to the instructions included by the manufacturer.  

After our initial tests, we took the humidifiers home to use for six months, noting any changes in quality or issues that have arisen after long-term use.

What to Know About Cool Mist Humidifiers Before Shopping

Type

When it comes to cool mist humidifiers, you’ll see both evaporative and ultrasonic types on the market. Roberson explains the difference: “Evaporative humidifiers use a fan to blow air through a wet wick or filter, producing a cool mist. Ultrasonic humidifiers use ultrasonic vibrations to produce a fine mist of water.”

Ultrasonic models do not have filters and can leave white dust—caused by minerals in tap water—on surrounding surfaces. This is minimized in evaporative humidifiers thanks to their filter. In both models, though, it’s best to use distilled water to prevent evaporating bacteria and minerals, which can aggravate allergies.

Capacity and Room Size

Before buying a humidifier, you’ll want to think about the size of the room that needs a bit of extra moisture. Roberson tells us humidifiers that can hold 1.5 gallons of water are typically going to work well in rooms measuring approximately 300 square feet. Choosing a model with a smaller capacity will require more frequent refilling, but will also help prevent unused water from sitting in the tank and encouraging bacteria growth. 

Roberson recommends looking at humidifiers with at least a 2-gallon capacity for larger rooms. Our best for large rooms pick, the Lacidoll 4.2 Gal. Cool Mist Ultrasonic Whole House Humidifier, has a 4.2-gallon capacity and can humidify rooms up to 1,000 square feet.

Mist Temperature

Depending on the model of humidifier you purchase, you might be able to control the temperature of the mist. Some dual mist models, like the Levoit OasisMist 450S Smart Humidifier use a combination of ultrasonic technology and heating elements to release a warm mist

Ehrlich says, “Cool or warm mist is personal preference, as one is not generally sleeping so close that the difference would be noticed.”

Care

As with any humidifier, it’s imperative to regularly clean a cool mist humidifier to keep bacteria from growing. Waqar says, “The water tank should be emptied and dried daily. They really should be cleaned prior to every use.”

The water you use is also important, and distilled is the safest option. The high mineral content of tap water can promote bacterial growth; tap water will also cause ultrasonic models to leave more fine dust on the surfaces around your humidifier.

“I encourage my patients to read the manufacturer’s instructions for further information on how to maintain and clean their humidifier,” Waqar says. “And it’s also important to remember that these humidifiers often have filters that need to be regularly cleaned or replaced.”

Features

While shopping for a cool mist humidifier, you’ll find that some models have more features than others. In our tests, we appreciated features like built-in hygrometers, digital displays, and smart connectivity as they helped us keep tabs on the humidifier’s performance. Night-lights, like those on the Vicks 3-in-1 Sleepy Time Humidifier and the Pure Enrichment humidifier, were most helpful in children’s bedrooms.

If you like to use essential oils, some models include aromatherapy trays, allowing the humidifier to double as a diffuser. 

Other Cool Mist Humidifiers We Tested 

Crane 4-in-1 Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier EE-8086 

Though setup took less than five minutes and it’s a quiet option, we just couldn’t give the Crane humidifier a spot in our list. It didn’t effectively humidify, even on the high setting, and we observed several bacterial colonies on the agar plate test. 

Taotronics 4L Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier

The Taotronics humidifier was easy to use, quiet, and compact in size. However, we found it difficult to tell if any limescale or mold buildup existed because they couldn’t see inside the tank and the access point in the tank was too small for us to reach in to feel.

Homedics TotalComfort Humidifier

We found the water tank on the Homedics TotalComfort Humidifier allowed water to seep out, making the refilling process messy. We also found the mist spout on this model difficult to clean, requiring the use of a bent cotton swab to remove mold buildup. Even though it was effective at humidifying the air, it wasn’t as user-friendly as we would have liked.

Your Questions, Answered

Do cool mist humidifiers make a room cold?

Despite their name, cool mist humidifiers don’t actually chill the room. Roberson says, “The mist they produce is around room temperature. The evaporation process can have a mild cooling effect, which is often not noticed in large rooms.”

Are cool mist humidifiers good for allergies and asthma?

According to Roberson, cool mist humidifiers can be helpful for some people experiencing allergies or asthma. He says, “They are designed to add moisture to the air, which can help people who deal with dry throats and itchy skin.” 

And humidifiers may have another benefit: “The moisture can make it more challenging for some viruses to survive and may offer relief for respiratory conditions,” Roberson says.

Does a humidifier clean the air?

“Humidifiers help improve indoor air quality by maintaining optimal humidity levels,” according to Roberson. However, a humidifier isn’t going to clean air like an air purifier would—though there are some exceptions, like the Dyson humidifier. In general, though, you won’t want to rely on a humidifier to also clean the air in the room.

Who We Are

This article was written by Brittany VanDerBill, a freelance lifestyle and travel writer whose work has been published with several Dotdash Meredith brands. She began writing for Dotdash Meredith in 2021, covering a variety of topics including pets, clothing, and product guides.

To find the best cool mist humidifiers, she combed through insights from our 34 testers who spent over 196 hours on testing. The testers evaluated 50 cool mist humidifiers on effectiveness, value, ease of use, design, ease of cleaning, and more to rank the best cool mist humidifiers. Brittany also consulted Brad Roberson, president, Aire Serv, a Neighborly company, Omar Waqar, M.D. allergist, and Alison Ehrlich, M.D., FAAD, a member of the American Academy of Dermatology.

What is BHG Recommends? 

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they’re worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn’t an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

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