The 12 Best Cool-Mist Humidifiers That Will Become the Unsung Hero of Your Home This Summer
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When your space is filled with dry air, it can wreak havoc on your body, sinuses and skin all year round. One way to combat the dry air in your home, which is likely accentuated by having a heater or air conditioner on, is to use a humidifier. "But," you may be thinking, "won't that just make my room more hot and stuffy?" While it's true that some humidifiers release warm moisture by boiling water, a cool-mist humidifier can help moisten the air without producing hot vapor, making it the perfect pick for the summer months (and the safer option around kids). Whether you're hoping to combat the sniffles, warm-weather allergies or even dry skin, read on for the best cool-mist humidifiers that will help you breathe easier this season—in more ways than one.
The Best Cool-Mist Humidifiers at a Glance
How We Chose the Best Cool-Mist Humidifiers
To pull together this roundup of the best cool-mist humidifiers, we first looked at offerings from trusted home brands, then waded through dozens of options to find top-rated models backed by positive reviews. We also tapped TikTok to discover any trending machines on the platform (spoiler alert: that would be the Vitruvi Cloud Humidifier, $229). Finally, we considered the machine's size, water tank capacity, run time and any extra features that would come in handy (from night lights to essential oil trays). Below, you can find our top picks to fit every need, space and budget.
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1. Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
For easy breathing all day and then some, this ultrasonic cool mist humidifier has a large 6-liter tank that can last up to 50 hours. It has an adjustable mist output, so you can control the intensity of the moisture, as well as an essential oil tray and optional LED light to add a light fragrance or mood lighting to your room. It’s a great option if you want to enjoy a relaxing scent while your air is moisturized. But don't just take our word for it. "It maintains a comfortable moisture level in the room without making it too damp or overly humid. I've noticed a significant improvement in my breathing and skin comfort, especially during dry seasons or when dealing with allergies," writes one reviewer. "Moreover, it's impressively quiet. I'm a light sleeper, and this humidifier doesn't disrupt my sleep at all," they continue. Even better, it comes with a two year warranty should you run into any issues.
2. Crane Adorables Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
You don’t need the humidifier in your nursery to be adorable, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. Of course, this little elephant does more than just look cute. It has a kid-safe cool mist, adjustable mist control and an easy-to-clean base. It runs for 24 hours and is whisper quiet, according to reviewers, as to not wake any sleeping babies or kids after you’ve finally gotten them down for a nap. Reviewers rave about how much it helps their children with skin issues, colds and allergies. Due to its unique shape, you’re going to want to wash it more often to prevent any gunk or hard water buildup; luckily, shoppers say it's a breeze to clean thanks to the detachable tank.
3. Levoit Classic 200 Humidifier
ATTN: Allergy sufferers. This Levoit humidifier has a 360-degree rotating nozzle that spreads an ultra-fine cool mist into the air for fast relief from allergens. It has three different mist levels, an essential oil tray for optional aromatherapy *and* it runs for up to 40 hours, per the brand, so you can breathe easy with plenty of time between refills. Plus, the sleek design makes it less unsightly when sitting out in the open. One reviewer writes: "Very easy to use and very quiet. Within 20 minutes of having it on I could tell that I was breathing better, no joke! I have really bad allergies and sinus issues and this is something that I should have purchased a long time ago! So far I am very satisfied!"
4. Vicks Filter-Free Cool-Mist Humidifier
When you (or your kiddos) have a stuffy nose, switch on this Vicks humidifier. It has a wide 4.54 liter tank for up to 30 hours of misting, an adjustable nozzle and adjustable mist settings to best suit your needs. There’s also a spot to insert Vicks VapoPads for extra-soothed sinuses. One buyer claims it works wonders for their congestion. "It works extremely well! Helped my congestion instantly, actually keeps me cool. [The VapoPads] make it that much better." Shoppers also add that it's easier to clean than some other humidifiers due to the wider tank opening. "You are able to get your hand in there and clean it," says one.
5. Movtip Portable Humidifier
Whether you’re traveling from room to room or outside the home, this portable humidifier will keep you breathing comfortably. "I bought this to take away on vacation since I have allergies and always sleep with a humidifier," shares one Amazon shopper. "I was really impressed with how well it worked...It fits easily into my suitcase and runs on full steam the entire night!" In fact, you can run it for six hours on continuous or 12 hours on intermittent spray mode, even with its smaller tank capacity. At just over 5 inches tall, the compact device also fits on any nightstand or office desk.
6. Pure Enrichment MistAire Cool-Mist Humidifier
You’ll barely notice when this super sleek, super quiet humidifier is running, which means you can breathe comfortably while you sleep, work or press play on your latest Netflix binge. It can moisturize dry air for up to 25 hours at a time, per the brand, and has a 360-degree nozzle for full-room distribution. No wonder it's racked up more than 83,000 5-star reviews. "I no longer wake up with a dry throat, mouth and nose," writes one happy buyer. "It is so quiet, does not disturb my sleep or my husband’s." The device also features an optional night light function, which displays a dreamy blue glow while it mists. Just note that the power button also emits light when it's on, which some reviewers find to be too bright at night.
7. Frida Baby 3-in-1 Cool-Mist Humidifier
This versatile machine is a humidifier, diffuser and night light all in one, and can be used in bedrooms or nurseries alike. Add some essential oils when you want to relax, turn up the dial on the humidifier to help moisturize air or choose between the three light hues to help set the mood for sleep. As one reviewer writes, "I use it most nights in my daughter’s room during the winter as it gets so dry in our house from heating it. You can adjust the amount of moisture you’re putting in the room, which is very handy. I think my favorite feature [the night light]. My girls love it. It gives a nice cool glow without being too bright to disturb their sleep." While tons of buyers sing its praises, the compact machine does have a smaller tank opening, so you may need a long brush tool to scrub inside.
8. Magictec Cool Mist Humidifier
If you want a humidifier that won’t break the bank, this is a great option. Cheaper than most other cool-mist humidifiers, this one still manages to have a 24-hour run time and can hold 2.5 liters of water in the tank. The nozzle allows for 360 degrees of mist spray and you can adjust the output with the dial knob, though a higher output means you’ll have to refill it a little more frequently. Here's why one buyer loves it: "It puts out a lot of mist and will do so for way longer than I would have expected without running out of water...usually I only have to refill it every couple of days depending on which setting I put it on. I also love that you can control how much mist it puts out with a dial. This is no three-setting humidifier—you've got an entire dial to tweak to set it to just the right amount of mist." Reviewers add that it makes a soft humming sound as it runs; some say it sounds like soothing white noise, but it is bothersome for others. Though this mist machine might not last as long as more expensive models, it gets the job done if you need something in the interim.
9. Vitruvi Cloud Humidifier
Your guests might not be able to tell if this is a humidifier or a piece of decor thanks to its modern, curvy design. But don't worry, this TikTok-famous pick is hailed as being as functional as it is fashionable, with the power to raise the humidity in a room as large as 600 square feet (and leave you waking up with more hydrated skin and hair). The sleek buttons at the side allow you to set 8-hour, 12-hour or 24-hour run times, as well as put it into night mode. Hate the hassle of cleaning? It comes equipped with a removable and *dishwasher-safe* water tank to make it as pain-free as can be. Better yet, the machine comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s a bit pricey, but if minimalist style is what you’re after, it’s well worth the investment. Just take it from this Amazon purchaser who raves, "If you’re on the fence about buying this humidifier, do it! This is the most beautifully designed humidifier I’ve ever owned, and as someone with sinus issues and small kids, I’ve owned quite a few...It takes up almost no space, yet provides the same level of humidity as the other bigger/clunkier ones I’ve owned."
10. Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier
In addition to raising the humidity of your room, this ingenious product uses UV technology and a wicking filter to ensure the mist you’re breathing is fresh and pure. The large tank holds over four liters of water for up to 24 hours of run time, and as fans of the machine explain, there are no pesky lights on it that may bother you in your sleep. Another buyer adds, "that even on high, it is very quiet...It runs on high all the time and we are getting better humidity as evidenced by our skin and feeling less 'dry' in the morning. It is [easy] to clean as well. I clean it every week and rinse the filter, and the filter is still going strong." Although you’ll need to find the space to house this larger humidifier, its quiet operation and the fact that its tank is dishwasher-safe makes it well worth it in our eyes.
11. Lasko Warm and Cool Humidifier
Most humidifiers are set it and forget it. But if you’re curious about the percentage of humidity in your room, this nifty Lasko model will show you your air stats on the LED screen and let you control exactly how much humidity you wish to maintain. It features dual nozzles that spin 360-degrees to direct mist in any direction, plus it has tappable buttons to choose between three mist settings and set a 12-hour timer. It also has cool and warm mist settings, for when you do want some extra heat in the winter months. FYI: Buyers adore it for its impressive mist output, ease of use and ability to clean. One reviewer adds, "I love the sleep feature. By having the ability to turn off any backlighting combined with the nearly silent operation, it is perfect for my bedroom." Sweet humidified dreams await.
12. Levoit Smart Cool Mist Humidifier
This humidifier gives you all the basics and then some. With the large 6-liter tank, it can raise the relative humidity of a 505-square-foot-room by 12 percent in just 30 minutes, per the brand—and it touts a 60-hour run time. Want to check on your room’s progress? There’s a compatible app where you can change settings or create schedules no matter where you are. Or you can just ask Alexa to do it for you. If you’re stumped on the best setting, the auto mode will take the guesswork out of it and choose the optimal humidity for you. As a bonus, it's equipped with an essential oil tray, so you can also infuse some spa-like scents into the mist if you wish. "This helps me so much with breathing when the air gets dry here," writes one reviewer. "It’s quiet, no obnoxious lights, holds a lot of water, stays clean and produces a lot of mist for a good long while."
What Do Humidifiers Do?
Humidifiers add mist into the air to increase the moisture (humidity) in a room. By adding hydration into the air, humidifiers can help alleviate allergies, dry throats, congestion, and skin irritation associated with very dry air.
How Does a Cool-Mist Humidifier Work?
There are two main types of humidifiers: cold mist and warm mist. Both pull water water from an attached, refillable tank and release it back into your room in the form of a fine mist. But while a warm-mist humidifier boils water (and can heat up a room during the warmer months), cool-mist humidifiers use ultrasonic technology or fans to release a fine mist into the air. These are also generally safer, especially around children, because there’s no heating element.
You should also use filtered or distilled water instead of tap water when operating a cool-mist humidifier, as tap water can contain minerals that could be released into the air or could deposit into the humidifier, making it less efficient.
When To Use a Humidifier
If you are sensitive to dry air (throat/nose irritations, coughs, dry skin/lips, respiratory issues), have allergies or live in a dry climate, you may want to use a humidifier to maintain better moisture levels in your home.
Benefits of Using a Humidifier in the Summer
While you may think to only use a humidifier during the colder months, there are plenty of benefits that will have you wanting to run it year-round. If you’re running an air conditioner on full blast, it can create a similar dry feeling to winter air—which you can combat with a humidifier. According to Healthline, the moisture of a humidifier can help treat nasal and chest congestion that occurs with allergies. This can be especially helpful combating the high pollen and mold count during the summer months. All the more reason to run it!
How to Clean a Cool Mist Humidifier
Cool-mist humidifiers can be more susceptible to mold and bacteria growth because of the standing water, according to the Mayo Clinic. Aside from changing any filters, you’ll want to change the water daily and clean your humidifier at least once a week (or as often as every three days). To do so, unplug it and remove the tank, filter and other removable parts. Scrub down everything but the filter, using a brush and vinegar to remove mineral deposits and residue from the water tank. You should also rinse it several times to remove the vinegar smell.
You can also wipe down the exterior with a wet cloth to remove any dirt and dust. Once dry, you can reassemble your humidifier, fill it with filtered water and run it again.
What to Look for in a Cool-Mist Humidifier
Size: Your room size will dictate what size humidifier you need. A small humidifier in a large room probably won’t do much, but it would be fine if kept close to you on a desk or nightstand. Check the room range of the humidifier to determine the right size for you.
Water tank: The size of the water tank will usually determine how long the humidifier will last before it runs out of water, so the bigger the tank, the longer the run time. If you’re using a humidifier continuously all day and night, you’ll want a bigger tank so you don’t have to keep refilling it. Many tanks are either clear or have markers to let you know how much water is in them.
Another consideration with water tanks is their design and openings. You’ll need to clean the humidifier often to prevent mold, and smaller openings will make a tank both harder to clean and harder to fill with water. The best options have a tank that can be easily detached from the rest of the machine for ease of cleaning and refilling.
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