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People / David Hattan
It's not fun to walk into an uncomfortably damp room or smell a musty basement. Humidity in the home can have a negative impact on your life in a variety of ways, ranging from allowing unhealthy mold and mildew to grow to ruining your belongings, causing you to spend a ton of money on cleaning products, and just being downright uncomfortable. The right dehumidifier can help you clear out that damp air and replace it with light, clean air that will keep you and your belongings in good shape for years.
For the best health of your home, your belongings, and you, your home should ideally be kept between 40 and 60 percent humidity. “Higher moisture levels in the air cause people to feel hot and sticky. High humidity levels also impact breathing, so people with asthma may want to keep the humidity levels lower,” says Lane Dixon, vice president of operations at Aire Serv, a Neighborly company. Controlling the humidity levels in your space is important for comfort and health.
To help determine the best dehumidifiers on the market and help you find the best for your needs, we tested 17 different products from Honeywell, GE, Frigidaire, and more. Read on for the best dehumidifiers to keep your home free of mold, mildew, and dampness.
Best Overall
Honeywell 30-Pint Smart Dehumidifier
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Connects to an app to control fan speed
Fan noise not too loud
Less expensive than other full-size models
Built-in hygrometer not always accurate
Starting off strong, this smart dehumidifier from Honeywell earned perfect scores across the board in our testing labs. One thing that really made it stand out was that it’s made to connect with the Honeywell Air Comfort App, which allows you to control the machine from your phone. The app lets you switch between the high and low fan settings (which is not a feature every dehumidifier has) and tells you when the tank is full or when the air filter needs cleaning. (Both of the latter are indicated on the machine itself, too.)
We also found that the fan noise it made was not a bother at all, and we loved how easy it was to set up. The price is great too, especially given all of the included features. Throughout testing, we did notice that the built-in hygrometer wasn’t the most accurate, so perhaps consider investing in a standalone one for your space.
Capacity: 30 pints per day | Tank Size: 20 pints | Coverage: 1,000 sq. ft. | Features: Built-in hygrometer, humidistat, auto-off, auto-restart, auto-defrost, sleep mode, timer, drain tube included, controllable remotely via Honeywell Air Comfort App, compatible with Alexa
Best for Large Rooms
hOmeLabs 50-Pint Dehumidifier
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Turbo fan function and high capacity
Built-in handles and bracket for cord storage
Convenient built-in hygrometer
Requires frequent emptying
If you’ve got a big space to dehumidify, this is the unit for you. Capable of removing 50 pints per day in a space of 4500 square feet — the highest of any of our units for both of those criteria — this unit can suck the water out of a giant room. It includes a turbo fan function that works extremely fast and efficiently, which is ideal for big or really wet spaces.
With the turbo function on, we felt the difference in just a half hour. Since the tank is not very large, you’ll need to empty it frequently if you’re dehumidifying a large, humid space. Fortunately, the built-in handles make it easy to empty the tank. There’s even a convenient storage bracket to keep the power cord wrapped when not in use.
If the space you’re looking to dehumidify is one you spend time in, this unit also comes with a comfort function that determines an ideal humidity based on ambient temperature and initial humidity. We felt this was great for keeping a room comfortable without having to worry about it, especially because it lowered the fan (and therefore the noise) when it wasn’t needed. We also found the built-in hygrometer to be a reliable indicator of humidity levels.
Capacity: 50 pints per day | Tank Size: 12.8 pints | Coverage: 4,500 sq. ft. | Features: Built-in hygrometer, humidistat, auto-off, auto-restart, auto-defrost, timer, pump, turbofan, Comfort function
Best for Small Rooms
Eva-Dry Electric Petite Dehumidifier
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Extremely quiet
Translucent tank easy to see
Ready to use out of the box
Simple machine without bells and whistles
This small-space dehumidifier earned perfect scores across the board in our lab. If you’re looking for a small machine that’ll keep some humidity at bay and won’t be a disturbance in any way, this is the ideal unit for you. We ran it all night during a rainstorm and felt a palpable difference in the air in the space when we woke up.
We also loved that it had absolutely no setup — just unbox and plug in — and that its tank is translucent, making it super easy to see how full it is (rather than a tiny window). And we were stoked by how quiet it is. We couldn’t even hear it over a fan!
Of course, that small size means that it doesn’t come with as many bells and whistles as some of the bigger units we tested, like a built-in hygrometer, for example, but its functionality and low volume — especially coupled with its low price — make it a fantastic buy.
Capacity: 0.5 pints per day | Tank Size: 1 pint | Coverage: 138 sq. ft. | Features: Auto-off
Best for Basements
Frigidaire 35-Pint Dehumidifier
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Quickly cleared humidity from damp basement
Tank includes protective cover
Quiet machine
Shorter power cord
We absolutely loved how well this dehumidifier cleared out both humidity and that icky, musty basement smell. After just a few hours in a fairly damp basement (condensation on pipes, puddles under washing machines), everything was visibly dry, and the air was much less heavy. Plus, this dehumidifier totally cleared out the musty odor. Even running a test entirely at a low speed, we noticed a palpable difference in humidity in the space.
One of our favorite features is the tank cover. This makes it easy to transport the full tank to a sink to dispose of it without water spilling out of the tank. It’s also quiet — you can listen to music or watch a show in the same room without cranking up the volume. If we have one critique, it’s that the power cord is a bit short.
We also really liked that the filter on this unit is super easy to snap out, wipe clean, and snap back in, making this unit a great option for spaces where you want to clear through allergens like mold, mildew, and dust mites — especially basements. It wasn’t super noisy, was easy to set up, and was reasonably priced, making this unit a great purchase.
Capacity: 35 pints per day | Tank Size: 17 pints | Coverage: 4,500 sq. ft. | Features: Built-in hygrometer, humidistat, auto-off, timer, multi-speed fan
Best for Garages
Amazon Basics Dehumidifier
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Removed impressive amount of humidity within a few minutes
Accurate built-in hygrometer
Large tank
Extremely loud
This Amazon Basics dehumidifier was by far one of the most impressive throughout our tests — we saw a noticeable change in humidity in just the first 10 minutes of use. And the space we were testing in was worlds different after an overnight of use: usually, we’d have to wipe down the windows from overnight condensation, but not with this puppy running. It cleared out an average of 44 percent of the original humidity in the testing room throughout our tests (in one round, it cleared out as much as 52 percent), which we found pretty impressive. And we loved that the built-in hygrometer read almost perfectly, too.
It was also extremely easy to set up. Just peel some tape and attach a handle, and you’re good to go. The tank is large, so it doesn’t require frequent emptying, plus it includes wheels to make it easier. We did notice that this dehumidifier was pretty loud (hence why we think it would make a great choice for a garage where noise levels won’t be a bother).
Capacity: 35 pints per day | Tank Size: 12 pints | Coverage: 2,500 sq. ft. | Features: Built-in hygrometer, humidistat, auto-off, auto-restart, auto-defrost, timer, pump, multi-speed fan
Best for Bedrooms
Whirlpool 40-Pint Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump
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Quietest model we tested
Can easily tell when tank is full
Built-in handles for easy removal
Built-in hygrometer reads a little high
Folks who are looking for a dehumidifier for living spaces, this is the one for you. This dehumidifier from Whirlpool was exceptionally quiet, which we really appreciated when trying to find one that would be suitable for a space like a bedroom. Plus, the fan has three speeds, which is great if you want it to run a little more quietly at times. We also found that it cleared out the humidity in smaller, sometimes very wet, spaces (like bathrooms and laundry rooms) really fast.
We also loved the easy setup (just pop the wheels in the bottom and you’re good to go), the tank window, and the indicator light that allows you to see how full it is. Plus, it was extremely portable, as the body of the dehumidifier has a built-in handle on each side, allowing confident lifting even when it’s heavier from being full. We did notice the built-in hygrometer read higher than ours on a couple of occasions (but were pleased it was higher rather than lower).
Capacity: 40 pints per day | Tank Size: 14.8 pints | Coverage: 3,000 sq. ft. | Features: Built-in hygrometer, humidistat, auto-off, auto-restart, auto-defrost, timer, pump, multi-speed fan
Best for Cars
Pro Breeze Mini Portable Dehumidifier
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Lightweight and works quickly
Clear tank
Quiet and easy to empty
Requires connection to electrical outlet
Sometimes a pesky rainstorm can make the inside of your car uncomfortably damp, especially if you park outside (or you accidentally left the windows open!). If you’re looking for an easy way to clear out that humidity without breaking the bank, this is a great solution.
This light, portable, and quiet dehumidifier by Pro Breeze works like a charm. When we first turned it on, it started dripping inside the tank with collected humidity within just a couple of moments and helped turn the air in our testing space from humid and stuffy to clear and breathable. The tank is clear, so you can easily see when it’s time to empty it.
We especially loved its small size — it’s under 3 pounds — making it easy to move in and out of the car. We also appreciated how quiet it was, as a few minutes waiting for it to clear out the car air before hitting the road can be spent listening to the radio without a loud fan obstructing your fun.
Capacity: 0.5 pints per day | Tank Size: 0.8 pints | Coverage: 150 sq. ft. | Features: Auto-off
Best with Pump
GE Dehumidifier with Built-in Pump
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Empty the tank with ease from up to 16 feet away
Shuts off and makes a beeping noise when full
Fan has three speeds
Loud at the highest speed
If you’ve been looking for a way to empty your dehumidifier into a drain that’s high up — like down a sink or out a window — we have the solution for you. This great dehumidifier from GE has a built-in pump (with an included tube) that will let you do just that.
The tank has an automatic shut-off and also makes a loud beeping noise when full. The pump allows you to empty the tank without taking it out, carrying it, and dumping it — or without using the continuous drain hose. Rather, the pump pushes the water out of a thin tube, which allows you to drain anywhere up to 16 feet away.
Aside from the pump feature, we loved how effective this dehumidifier was, taking our testing room from soggy to fresh in just a couple of hours. We did find that it was a bit loud when it was on high, but we were pleased that it had both medium and low fan speeds as well, so we were able to control the noise a bit.
Capacity: 50 pints per day | Tank Size: 15 pints | Coverage: 4,500 sq. ft. | Features: Built-in hygrometer, humidistat, auto-off, auto-restart, auto-defrost, timer, pump with included tube, multi-speed fan
Best Smart
Midea 50-Pint Cube Dehumidifier
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Motor fits inside bucket
Huge capacity
Has wheels and is easy to empty
Drain hose must be used separately from bucket
This smart Midea dehumidifier had some really unique features that absolutely blew us away. First, it connects to the Midea Cube Air App via Wi-Fi, which allows you to control it remotely and receive important notifications (like when the bucket is full).
We also loved its unique design, wherein the machine portion stores inside the bucket when not in use. The machine portion sits atop the bucket when in use, which also means that it’s extremely easy to empty. Just lift the machine off the bucket and wheel the bucket where you want to dump it. You can also use it with a drain hose (which is included) and skip the bucket altogether for an even smaller amount of space. This does mean, though, that the bucket has to be stored elsewhere, as the machine portion does not fit on top of the bucket when the drain hose is attached.
And when in use, we found that it cleared out humidity quickly and effectively and was a lot quieter than many other models.
Capacity: 50 pints | Tank Size: 33.6 pints | Coverage: 4,500 sq. ft. | Features: Built-in hygrometer, humidistat, auto-off, auto-restart, auto-defrost, timer, multi-speed fan, drain hose included, controllable remotely via the Midea Cube Air App, compatible with Alexa
Best Investment
Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump
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Pulled so much humidity that the tank kept getting full
Includes on-unit plug/cord holder and a collapsible handle
Comes with continuous drain hose
Includes wheels but is a bit heavy to transport
While this unit comes with a bit of a higher price, we were blown away by it and feel that you certainly get what you pay for.
We found that it pulled a ton of humidity from the air throughout our testing periods — so much so that we could feel the difference from a room away! Each time we went to check the tank, it was full, meaning it was utterly draining the air of humidity. The unit is heavy, but it includes wheels to make it easier to transport it to a sink or drain for emptying. It also includes other convenient features, like on-unit plug and cord storage and a collapsible handle.
One feature we found especially cool was the built-in pump, which we found easy to set up and really effective. It also comes with a drain hose to connect to the pump on the back, which allows you to empty the tank without taking it out, sloshing on the way to the sink or tub, and dumping it. The pump pushes the water out of the tank (rather than just relying on pressure and gravity), so you can drain it quickly in any direction (like upwards out of a window).
Capacity: 50 pints per day | Tank Size: 16.9 pints | Coverage: Not listed | Features: Built-in hygrometer, humidistat, auto-off, auto-restart, timer, pump with included tube, multi-speed fan
What to Know About Dehumidifiers
Capacity
The capacity is the amount of water a dehumidifier can remove from the air over a 24-hour period, measured in pints per day. You can use the Buying Guidance from Energy Star to determine the range you should be looking for based on the humidity in your space.
In a standard-sized room in a home, 50 to 75 percent initial humidity calls for a dehumidifier that removes 20 to 30 pints per day (like the Honeywell 30-Pint Dehumidifier), and 75 to 90 percent initial humidity calls for one that removes 25 to 40 pints per day (like the Amazon Basics Dehumidifier).
Tank Size
The amount of water your dehumidifier can hold will impact how often you have to empty the water tank (if yours is not set up with a drain system). The volumes of the dehumidifiers on our list range from 0.8 pints to 35 pints. We had a couple of minis in there (each holding around 1 pint) and one with an especially large tank, but most of the average-sized units held around 20 pints.
Extra Features
Some dehumidifiers include unique features that you may find useful when trying to dehumidify your home, like pumps, remote control from apps, turbo fans, or smart humidistats. Be sure to take into account what extra bells and whistles may best suit your needs (or if they’re all extraneous for you) to pick the right unit for yourself.
Cost
Dehumidifiers are an item you can expect to have for at least a few years and, therefore, can sometimes be a bit of an investment. The units that we tested ranged from just $45 for a mini to $369 for one of the larger models with more bells and whistles. Be sure to take into account what features and size you’re looking for before choosing your dehumidifier.
When to Buy
As the summer humidity starts to approach, so do sales for dehumidifiers. If you’re looking to get the best deal, late spring or early summer is a great time to look. Just like with household fans, after the hot season for dehumidifiers ends, as the summer winds down into fall, there will also likely be some great sales as stores try to empty their stock.
Behind the Scenes
To help you find the best dehumidifier for your needs, we put 17 top-rated units to the test.
- Setup: We unboxed each unit, checked the instructions for how to use it, and paid attention to setup factors, like how long each unit took to put together, how intuitive and user-friendly the controls were, and how simple it was to set up a drain hose (when applicable).
- Humidity Levels: We placed each dehumidifier in various spaces of different sizes and humidities. To test effectiveness, we measured the humidity in our testing rooms before and after 12 hours of use, three separate times. This gave us a wide range of data to work with to give you well-rounded reviews.
- Additional Features: While in use, we paid attention to factors like noise level and ease of emptying the tank. We also considered each unit’s different bells and whistles (like smart humidistats, multi-speed fans, and built-in hygrometers) and how effective or accurate they were.
- Ratings: We then measured and rated each unit’s effectiveness, ease of use, design, features, and value.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When should you dehumidify?
According to David Ragsdale, SERVPRO production manager and IICRC instructor WRT/FSRT, homes should ideally be kept between 40 and 60 percent humidity. If your home (or any certain room in your home) is consistently higher than this, he recommends investing in a dehumidifier. Beforehand, though, he recommends determining if underlying factors — like water leaks or poor seals around windows and doors — are the culprit, and if so, they should be addressed first.
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Will a dehumidifier get rid of mold?
Dehumidifiers can’t remove mold that’s already present and growing, but they will help stop your space from getting moldy in the first place. If you already have water damage in your home or space, though, Dixon recommends seeking help from a professional restoration company that can use professional drying equipment to mitigate mold issues. If you're worried about the air quality in a specific area of your home, you might also try an air purifier.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Elizabeth Marino is a freelance commerce writer for PEOPLE, focusing on home products. A lover of all things home and family, she is thrilled to help consumers find the perfect products to fit their domestic needs. To give readers the most accurate information on dehumidifiers, she relied on insights from in-depth interviews with both David Ragsdale and Lane Dixon. These professionals provided useful information about when to buy a dehumidifier, what to look for in one, and how to maintain one. She also has two humidity-conscious brothers and has made many trips to the basement to dump out a full dehumidifier tank.
Our Expert Panel
- David Ragsdale is a SERVPRO production manager and IICRC instructor WRT/FSRT.
- Lane Dixon is the vice president of operations at Aire Serv, a Neighborly company.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
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