The best humidifiers do more than just add moisture to the air. They can make your home feel healthier, more comfortable, and even maintain furniture and fittings more effectively.
Kevin Pennington, an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) specialist and owner of Lancashire Air Conditioning, explains just how useful the appliances can be: “A good humidifier is a great addition to homes that have dry, warm air,” he tells me. “The addition of humidity eases dry skin, scratchy throats and sinuses, calms coughs and nosebleeds, protects wooden floors, furniture and guitars, cuts static, and even perks up houseplants.”
Modern humidifiers are stylish, quiet, and packed with features. Many come with app or voice control, built-in humidistats, and adjustable mist settings, making them perfect for bedrooms, nurseries, or living spaces. Some even combine with your connected home technology to work with other appliances, such as the SwitchBot evaporative humidifier, which can be refilled by the same brand’s robot vacuum cleaner.
But if all that sounds a little too futuristic, rest assured you can still get perfectly serviceable, even great, humidifiers for less than £40. For just a few quid more, you can get appliances that double up as aroma diffusers, too.
Whether you want a set-and-forget model, an app-controlled unit, or a quiet option for a child’s bedroom, this guide will help you choose the right humidifier for your space.
Read more: Best dehumidifiers for tackling damp in your home
The best humidifiers for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Dreo smart humidifier: £99.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for small rooms – Levoit classic 160 humidifier: £32.29, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for affordable smart tech – Levoit dual 200S smart humidifier: £56.48, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for family homes – Meaco armin evaporative humidifier: £129.99, Amazon.co.uk
How I tested
For this guide, I tested more than a dozen humidifiers across different rooms in my home, narrowing down the options to my pick of the best humidifers, based on noise, humidity output, ease of use, cleaning, and smart features.
To test each humidifier, I activated my Duux bora smart 30l dehumidifier to reduce humidity levels to 50 per cent, then filled each appliance’s tank to the max and ran it in a closed room on the highest setting. I kept an eye on how quickly it used up the water and how much the humidity improved over time.
I also noted how noisy it was while running, how easy it was to fill and clean, and whether the controls were simple to use, either via the device itself or by using a bespoke app. Plus, I tested the accuracy of each humidifier’s built-in humidistat (if it featured one) using a LifeBasis Air Quality Monitor. You can read my full testing criteria at the end of this article.
Read more: Best air purifiers to help combat dust and allergens
Dreo smart humidifier
Best: Humidifier overall
Coverage: Up to 50 square metres
Weight: 2.7kg
Tank capacity: 6l
Mist type: Cool and warm mist
Smart control: Yes (Dreo app, Alexa, Google Home)
Cost per hour: Less than £0.01
Why we love it
- Massive 6l tank means fewer refills
- Smart control plus humidistat, voice assistant and scheduling
- Warm and cool mist options
Take note
- Can be noisy on highest fan speed
- Slightly higher price point
The Dreo smart humidifier is a seriously capable appliance, built for people who want smart features and high performance. It delivers up to 500ml/hour of mist, providing rapid warm or cool mist to relieve dryness. The generous 6l tank (the largest I tested) means it can run for long stretches without needing a refill.
The top-fill design is simple, and the tank is easy to remove for cleaning. The three mist modes – manual (three fan levels), auto (set target humidity), and sleep (quieter, dimmed display) – give you plenty of flexibility depending on how quickly you want to humidify and how quiet you want it to be during operation.
The Dreo app is also genuinely useful. You can track real-time humidity, view 30-day trends, and get personalised cleaning reminders. Smart integrations with Alexa, Google Home, and even SwitchBot devices make it easy to control remotely. There’s also a dual-aroma pad tray for adding two different essential oils, so you can switch between your favourite fragrances in seconds. Overall, if you’re after a smart, large-tank humidifier that you set and forget, the Dreo smart is a strong choice.
Buy now £99.99, Amazon.co.uk
Levoit dual 150 humidifier
Best: Budget humidifier
Coverage: 27 square metres
Weight: 1.2kg
Tank capacity: 2.5l
Mist type: Cool only
Smart control: No
Cost per hour: Less than £0.01
Why we love it
- Can be used as an aroma diffuser
- Quiet operation
- Easy to clean and refill
Take note
- Cool mist only
- No smart or timer function
- Small capacity
The Levoit dual 150 is a simple humidifier that prioritises ease of use and quiet running. With a 2.5l top-fill tank and basic dial control, it’s refreshingly straightforward, but it can also double up as an aroma diffuser.
There’s no app, humidistat, or warm mist here but that simplicity works in its favour if you’re not bothered about smart tech. It’s easy to fill, easy to clean, and produces a steady, visible cool mist. The mist output can be adjusted via a single dial, and at lower settings it’s whisper-quiet.
It handles dry air well during colder months, though higher settings will drain the tank a little faster. Build quality feels solid for the price, and the top-fill lid makes maintenance quick and easy.
Buy now £49.99, Amazon.co.uk
Blueair dreamwell humidifier
Best: Premium humidifier
Coverage: Medium to large rooms
Weight: 2.9kg
Tank capacity: 3.8l
Mist type: Cool mist (evaporative)
Smart control: Yes (Blueair app, Alexa, Google Assistant)
Cost per hour: Less than £0.01
Why we love it
- Elegant, spa-like design
- Smart app with scheduling and humidity tracking
- Aroma stone for essential oils
Take note
- Wick needs annual replacement
- Premium price
- Only suitable for cool mist users
The Blueair dreamwell is one of the most stylish humidifiers you can buy. With its minimalist display, soft glow light and smooth curves, it looks more like a spa diffuser than a home appliance.
Filling the tank is a joy – just pour water in from the top, no heavy lifting or awkward lids. The 3.8l capacity is generous, and the machine-washable wick filter is eco-friendly and easy to maintain (you’ll need to replace it once a year, though). There’s also a slot for Blueair’s porous aroma stone, which lets you add a few drops of essential oil for a calming aroma.
The Blueair app experience is equally impressive. You can set timers, schedule humidifying sessions, monitor humidity trends, and even control fan speed and lighting from your phone. The dreamwell isn’t the cheapest option, but it’s beautiful, quiet, and smart – a perfect blend of technology and design.
Although this model is currently out of stock, the brand has stated the dreamwell will be available again from the end of February 2026.
Buy now £169, Amazon.co.uk
Levoit classic 160 humidifier
Best: Humidifier for small rooms or offices
Coverage: Unspecified
Weight: 0.98kg
Tank capacity: 2.5l
Mist type: Cool only
Smart control: No
Cost per hour: Less than £0.01
Why we love it
- Very quiet in operation
- Easy top-fill and wide opening
- Long runtime when used on low
Take note
- No warm mist / steam mode or light
- Lacks smart features or advanced controls
If you’re looking for an entry-level humidifier for a child’s bedroom or small office, the classic 160 from Levoit is one of the more straightforward humidifiers I’ve used. There are no overly complicated settings , just clean mist delivery. Its top-fill design is hassle-free: lift the lid, pour in water, and switch on.
It’s impressively quiet on low settings (around 26dB or lower), so it's not distracting during work or sleep. The mist is smooth and consistent, and the 360-degree nozzle helps me direct it away from walls and electronics. At its lowest mist setting, the 2.5l tank lasted most of a day before needing a refill.
Filling and cleaning are easy thanks to the wide tank opening. It also includes a cleaning brush. Just note: at higher mist levels, the tank drains more quickly, and because it’s strictly a cool-mist model, you won’t get the warmer humidification effects you might want in colder seasons.
Overall, it’s a dependable, quiet machine that does exactly what you’d hope: adds moisture efficiently, without fuss.
Buy now £39.99, Amazon.co.uk
Meaco armin evaporative humidifier
Best: Humidifier for family homes
Coverage: Up to 44m²
Weight: 2.8kg
Tank capacity: 2.4l
Mist type: Evaporative (cool)
Smart control: No
Cost per hour: Less than £0.01
Why we love it
- Invisible, evaporative humidification
- Simple top-fill design and removable tank
- Quiet night mode and automatic shut-off
Take note
- Slightly bulkier than compact models
- Doesn’t support app or smart controls
The Meaco armin is an evaporative humidifier, so you don’t get visible mist clouds like you do with ultrasonic models, but that’s part of its appeal. It releases invisible moisture that feels more natural in the air and won’t leave a damp film on nearby surfaces.
It’s packed with useful features, including a humidity range from 40 per cent to 70 per cent, a continuous mode that keeps going until the tank is empty, and automatic shut-off when it runs dry. I also liked the child lock and night mode – the latter dims the lights, silences the beeps, and lowers the fan speed so it’s completely unobtrusive overnight.
Filling it couldn’t be simpler. You can pour water in through the top flap, lift off the lid and fill directly, or take the tank to the sink – whichever’s easiest. The top-fill design and removable tank make maintenance straightforward, too.
In use, the Meaco is pleasantly quiet with no gurgling or bubbling noises – a welcome contrast to some units. It’s a little larger than compact models, but still modestly sized for the power and coverage it delivers. If you want consistent, gentle humidity without visible mist, this is a brilliant low-maintenance choice that’s ideal for family homes or anyone sensitive to airborne particles.
Buy now £129.99, Amazon.co.uk
Levoit dual 200S smart humidifier
Best: Humidifier for affordable smart tech
Coverage: Up to 27 metres squared
Weight: 1.3kg
Tank capacity: 3l
Mist type: Cool only, three settings
Smart control: Yes (VeSync app + Alexa/Google)
Cost per hour: Less than £0.01
Why we love it
- Smart control via app and Alexa
- Built-in humidistat
- Quiet and efficient operation
Take note
- Cool mist only
- Shorter runtime on high mist mode
The dual 200S strikes a nice balance between smart functionality and ease of use. It has a 3l top-fill tank, a built-in humidistat, and smart app compatibility – giving it a more hi-tech edge at a much more affordable price than some smart models.
I liked being able to schedule mist cycles and monitor humidity levels through the VeSync app, and voice control with Alexa worked smoothly. You can set timers and schedules, power on and off, and check your humidity levels. The mist output is even and consistent, and you can dim the display and reduce mist output during the night. Like many other Levoit humidifiers, you can also use it as an aroma diffuser, which adds value for me.
Although it only produces cool mist, you can choose from three settings. Performance is strong, and the mist spreads evenly across a medium-sized space. The tank runs dry faster at maximum output, but the auto shut-off ensures it never runs on a dry tank.
Buy now £69.99, Amazon.co.uk
SwitchBot evaporative humidifier
Best: Humidifier for smart home enthusiasts
Coverage: Up to 30 square metres
Weight: 8.3kg
Tank capacity: 4.3l
Mist type: Cool mist (evaporative)
Smart controls: Yes (SwitchBot app, Alexa, Google Home, Siri Shortcuts)
Cost per hour: Less than £0.01
Why we love it
- Huge tank and excellent runtime
- Smart home integration
- Automatic refilling via SwitchBot robot vacuum
Take note
- Bulky unit
- Noisy on high fan setting
If you’re building a connected smart home, this is one of the most advanced humidifiers you can buy. The SwitchBot humidifier is a serious smart home kit – big, powerful, and packed with clever features. It’s best suited to larger spaces or anyone already using other SwitchBot devices.
You can fill it with a generous amount of water, and it offers four fan speeds plus an auto mode to maintain your preferred humidity between 40 per cent and 70 per cent. You can even pair it with the SwitchBot meter to monitor humidity and let Alexa adjust it automatically.
What really sets it apart is the smart ecosystem integration. If you own a SwitchBot robot vacuum, it can even refill the humidifier for you – though this wasn’t something I was able to test. It also includes a filter dryer to prevent mould, a child lock, and cleaning reminders after 240 hours of use.
It’s not small – you’ll need floor space for it – and it can get noisy on the highest fan speed. But on lower settings, it’s whisper-quiet. If you love the idea of a super-connected home, this is the humidifier for you.
Buy now £199.99, Amazon.co.uk
Levoit oasismist smart humidifier
Best: Humidifier for warm and cold mist
Coverage: 27 square metres
Weight: 2.8kg
Tank capacity: 4.5l
Mist type: Warm and cool
Smart control: Yes (VeSync app + voice assist)
Cost per hour: £0.07
Why we love it
- Dual warm and cool mist option
- Smart app control and built-in humidistat
- Can be used as an aroma diffuser
Take note
- Tank empties faster on high settings
- Slightly loud at full power
The oasismist smart is Levoit’s premium hybrid humidifier, offering cool and warm mist options, depending on your preference or the season. Designed for medium-to-large rooms, the white design and bamboo-style lid make it elegant enough to sit anywhere in the home.
Setup is nice and quick thanks to the clear manual, and I found the large 4.5l tank easy to fill from the top. The smart control via the VeSync app works well – I could tweak humidity levels, switch between mist modes, or set a timer with ease. The built-in humidistat automatically maintains the target humidity, and the display dims nicely in low light.
Performance-wise, the oasismist smart really shines. The warm mist clears dryness faster than standard cool mist models, and even on the cool setting, it maintains a comfortable balance. It’s slightly louder at full power, but still not intrusive. I loved being able to change the night light's colour and use it as an aroma diffuser. This model is currently out of stock but we anticipate that it will be available again soon, so make sure to keep checking back.
Buy now £70.39, Amazon.co.uk
Your questions about humidifiers answered
What is the best humidifier?
After testing a range of models, my three standout favourites are the Dreo smart humidifier, the Blueair dreamwell, and the Levoit oasismist smart, and each one shines for a different reason. The Dreo smart humidifier is my top pick overall, however. As a busy working mum, I want something I can fill up and forget about for days. The huge tank, smart scheduling, and dual mist options are perfect for setting the ideal humidity and letting it run quietly in the background.
The Levoit oasismist smart is also a brilliant all-rounder. The warm and cool mist settings make it perfect for switching between seasons, and the app control makes fine-tuning humidity levels effortless.
How I tested humidifiers
As with every IndyBest review, I tested and reviewed each humidifier using strict criteria – taking into consideration everything from noise and humidity levels to energy efficiency and coverage.
What are the benefits of humidifiers?
If your home feels stuffy in winter or you often wake up with a dry throat or a blocked nose, a humidifier could be the quiet hero your space needs. These small but powerful devices add gentle moisture to the air, helping create a healthier, more comfortable environment.
Central heating in winter can dry out the air in our homes, irritating airways and making breathing feel harder, especially if you have asthma, allergies or a lingering cold. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, helping to prevent your nasal passages and throat from drying out, easing congestion and soothing dry, tickly coughs. If you have little ones, a cool-mist humidifier can make night-time breathing more comfortable when they have a cold, helping everyone get a better night’s sleep.
Dry indoor air doesn’t just affect your breathing. It can also wreak havoc on your skin. You might notice tightness, flakiness, or even cracked lips during the colder months. A humidifier helps restore balance by keeping the air’s moisture levels steady, which in turn helps your skin, lips, and eyes feel less irritated.
Maintaining the right humidity level, ideally between 40% and 60%, can make your home feel more comfortable year-round. In winter, it helps counteract the drying effects of central heating, while in high summer it keeps indoor air from feeling parched. As more UK homes install air conditioning to cope with rising temperatures, which can strip moisture from the air, humidifiers can restore much-needed balance.
What’s the difference between evaporative, ultrasonic and cool or warm mist humidifiers?
Humidifiers come in a few main types, each with its own pros and quirks. Evaporative humidifiers use a fan to blow air through a wet filter, which spreads moisture in a steady, natural way. Sergey Nikolin, an air quality expert and President at Product Air Heating & Cooling LLC in the US, explains: “In practice, evaporative ones are great if you want steady, even humidity without worrying about overdoing it… but you need to change the filter every so often.” This makes them reliable for consistent humidity, though they do require a bit of maintenance.
Ultrasonic humidifiers work differently, using vibrations to produce an ultra-fine mist. Nikolin points out that “they’re perfect for bedrooms as they’re super quiet, though you might see some white dust on surfaces if you use regular tap water” -especially in hard-water areas. I noticed this myself during testing, as I live in a very hard water region in the UK, and a fine white residue did appear on nearby surfaces. While you can use distilled water to prevent this, it’s a bit of a faff and an extra cost if you decide to buy rather than make your own.
Then there are cool-mist and warm-mist models. Both add moisture to the air, but warm mist humidifiers heat the water first. “Warm mist options feel better in winter and kill germs,” says Nikolin, “but they do use a bit more power so they can contribute to higher energy bills.” You might also want to swerve warm-mist humidifiers in a child’s bedroom, as some of them can get fairly hot during operation.
There you have it. Each type of humidifier has its strengths, so your choice depends on your space, noise tolerance, and whether you want the extra hygiene boost in colder months.
How to clean a humidifier
Cleaning a humidifier varies depending on the type, but the basics are similar. Most require you to empty the water tank daily, rinse it thoroughly, and wipe down surfaces to prevent mineral buildup and bacteria. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions, as some models have removable parts or specific cleaning recommendations to keep your humidifier running efficiently.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Joanne Lewsley has particular expertise in finding the best humidifiers, being an expert home appliance tester. She has been reviewing air quality appliances like best dehumidifiers, air purifiers and cordless vacuum cleaners for more than a decade, so she knows exactly what to look for in a great model. Drawing on independent testing and expert insight, all her reviews are based on real-life use, covering setup and noise levels to performance and maintenance.
Want more recommendations? We’ve reviewed the best dehumidifiers, too
