Best humidifier - diffusers and humidifiers to reduce dry air at home

Chances are that you've heard of dehumidifiers, which remove moisture from the air and decrease condensation and mould in the home, but what about humidifiers? Working the opposite way, these machines add humidity to the environment to ease allergies, aid breathing and generally make the home a more comfortable place to be in.

In the autumn and winter months, where we tend to have the heating on more and viruses and colds run rampant, humidifiers can be invaluable in keeping everyone happy and healthy. Run it in the bedroom at night to help reduce snoring or in the home office during the summer to get rid of that hay fever-induced stuffy nose.

We've looked at the best humidifiers out there right now to see which are worth the money. You can scroll down to see what we thought, and then head over to our list of the best dehumidifiers to find a solution for every season.

The best humidifiers in 2024

Another example of a brand prioritising design alongside function, the Duux Tag 2 Dehumidifier is a sleek and compact option that offers a duo of speed settings and ultra-low energy consumption. Add the up to ten hours of operation, and you can rest easy using it overnight without racking up the energy bills.

The 2.5L removable water tank is also slightly larger than many competitors, which is why it can last for so long, and you'll be alerted to the need for a refill by a red LED light on the bottom. Duux claims that the humidifier is suitable for spaces up to 30m2, so it's recommended if you're dealing with a slightly larger area.

Ideal Home rating: 4 out of 5 stars | read our full review of the Duux Tag 2 Humidifier

A larger offering from Vicks, the VUL565E1 Ultrasonic Humidifier will be the best choice for those who need to cover a larger bedroom or other space. The device is recommended for rooms up to 35m2, the largest surface area of humidifiers on this list, and the 4.5L water tank means longer operation before you need to refill.

The ultrasonic cool mist technology means the humidifier is safe for use around children (as it doesn't risk accidental burns), and you can also use it with Vicks' VapoPads, which makes the room smell heavenly as it works to reach optimal humidity levels.

The device has touch controls and an adjustable nozzle, allowing you to better direct the mist to where it needs to go. The only downside is the noise levels, reaching up to 39 decibels. This is still rated as 'library quiet', but it's slightly higher than some others.

The Vicks humidifier may be small, but it's mighty. Running up to 20 hours with a 1.8L capacity, it's an ideal tabletop solution. Only producing cool mist, it's safe around kids and animals, and you can either use essential oils or Vicks' own scented VapoPads to add a nice smell.

There isn't an adjustable nozzle like with some other models, which knocks some points off, but it does have a dial for you to turn the humidity up or down depending on preference. The machine is recommended for rooms up to 15m2 so, if you have a small space, it's a good choice.

Read next: the best portable air conditioners for reliable cooling

Levoit is well-known in the world of at-home air quality, and the Dual 100 Ultrasonic Humidifier is one of our favourites from the brand. The device looks great with a simple, white design, and it's also perfect for the bedroom with operation at just 28dB and a night mode that switches off the LED lights while you get some shut-eye.

The built-in humidistat means you don't need to worry about monitoring the levels in your space - the humidifier will automatically detect when air moisture is too high or too low. You can also use ordinary essential oils in the water to add a scent and choose between three speed settings to customise the mist even further.

The Levoit Dual 100 also gets points for ease of use, as you can simply lift the top of the device off to fill and clean it. One downside is the small water tank, but otherwise, this is a great choice. And if you're interested what else Levoit do, take a look at our guide to the best air purifiers.

Our pick of the best humidifiers for style, the Beurer LB37 comes in either white or - our favourite - dark copper varieties. If like us, you're regularly cursing the fact that home appliances are so often ugly, then this is one to consider.

Of course, it also works great, with a 2L tank, LED lights indicating air condition and a night mode that makes it suitable for use in the bedroom. You can also add essential oils if you want to create a pleasant aroma, and the brand promises quiet operation and energy consumption.

It's also very easy to use, with the top twisted off the base for refilling and cleaning.

How to choose the best humidifier for your home

Do humidifiers help with allergies/congestion/asthma?

Take one look at the claims of any humidifier and you will see that many claim to cure ills ranging from mild hay fever to asthma, flu and dry skin. As with any technology like this, results will inevitably vary, but is there any truth in these claims?

According to Healthline, allergies that cause symptoms such as nasal congestion and inflammation will indeed be relieved by greater levels of moisture in the air.

Dust mites and mould, which can also cause many people to have mild allergic reactions, also benefit from higher humidity but thrive at levels of more than 70%. It's important to keep levels at around 40-50% for optimal results.

Humidifiers are also touted as an alternative treatment for colds and flu, which can feel worse in dry environments. Indoor heating in the winter can contribute to this discomfort, so it may be helpful to use a humidifier during the colder months if you suffer from breathing issues.

No matter what, humidifiers need to be cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria and mould from developing and causing health problems of their own. Do this with natural solutions such as vinegar, rather than bleach or other chemical cleaners.

Are humidifiers good for babies?

It is thought that humidifiers are particularly useful for new parents attempting to get their babies' the best sleep quality possible. Like with adults, humidifiers aid breathing and reduce the symptoms of cold and flu. This is especially useful when babies and toddlers are under the weather, as they're less able to sleep through like older kids and adults.

In general, a higher level of moisture in the air (though not over 50%) promotes better sleep for everyone, including babies.

Things to remember - you should opt for a cold mist humidifier if using close to children, and it's important to keep your machine clean so the children aren't breathing in bacteria from a dirty humidifier.

Are humidifiers safe?

Most humidifiers on our list are ultrasonic, coming with the option of cool or warm mist. If you opt for a warm mist humidifier, then it's important to keep these away from unsupervised children or pets.

It is also recommended by many to use distilled or purified water in humidifiers, rather than water straight out of the tap. There is some debate on this, however, but it's certainly true that over time tap water will help promote pink mould and mineral dust forming in the machine.

With frequent cleaning, this shouldn't cause too much of a problem, but it's something to keep in mind if you live in an area where the tap water is particularly hard.

Which humidifier is best?

The Homasy 4L Cool Mist Humidifier tops our ranking for the best humidifier available right now, with a capacity that dwarfs other models and a runtime to match. The convenience of not having to refill as regularly, the quiet running, and the ability to add essential oils all earn it the number one spot.