It's not only just the pollution and pollen of the outside that's aggravating your allergies, asthma, and dry skin. Dry air inside your home could also be contributing to these irritating health issues. That doesn't mean you have to just sit there and suffer. Thankfully, there is a solution. If you’re so over all that coughing, sneezing, flaking, and general unpleasantness, you can buy a humidifier for your home.
A humidifier can help increase moisture indoors, especially when it’s cold outside and there’s more dry air swirling around. Humidifiers have other benefits, such as increasing overall comfort at home, reducing congestion, and minimising bacteria.
With so many options, it can be hard to find the right humidifier for your health needs. Especially if you're a first-time humidifier user. It's hard to know what makes one humidifier better than another. So, before you buy, there are a few things to consider.
How does a humidifier work?
A humidifier has a water tank that it draws from, turning the water into mist or vapour and emitting it into the room. Ultimately, it increases the local humidity. Different humidifiers may use different tech, but that's the general idea.
Some humidifiers allow you to set a timed cycle (for example, four or eight hours), so you won’t have to constantly monitor their activity. Custom mist settings are helpful if you’re prone to allergies, asthma, or dry skin, so you can control how much moisture the humidifier emits to make a room more comfortable.
How big a space do humidifiers cover?
Size is important when you’re looking for a humidifier. The amount of moisture in the living room might differ from the nursery, so keep size in mind when you’re browsing different models. For big rooms, opt for humidifiers that add moisture up to 1,000 square feet. Small rooms might require humidifiers with a moisture output of up to 80 millilitres per hour. A lot of it comes down to the size of the tank.
Keep reading and you'll see the humidifiers on this list that range between 500 ml and 4 litres. The bigger the tank, the more space the humidifier is likely to cover.
Are humidifiers safe to use?
Safety is important when looking for any appliance or device. Most humidifiers have an automatic shut-off, meaning they will operate consistently for a few hours until they run out of water. Spill-proof tanks are also great for safety, because you can add moisture without causing leaks or puddles.
How much does humidifier cost?
Appliances, including humidifiers, don’t always come cheap. But we've included a range of prices in this roundup. But before you drop big bucks, consider the type of humidifier — not to mention the price — that suits you best.
What is the best humidifier?
That's ultimately up to you. It depends on your home, lifestyle, and, well, moisture levels. But if you’re ready to tackle that dry air, we’re here to help you find the best humidifier for you and your humidifying needs.
These are the best humidifiers in 2025.
