Humidifiers can be a valuable purchase, especially if you live in a dry area. They’re known to combat dry skin, alleviate sinus issues, and relieve respiratory discomfort caused by allergies and illnesses. However, if you’ve looked into humidifiers, you know there’s a broad range of price tags — from a few dollars to over a thousand. So, are the high-end humidifiers worth the investment, or will a cheaper one do the trick? Bestcovery took the challenge to find out. Check out our reviews below!
Disclosure: Bestcovery received samples of the Vicks 3-in-1 SleepyTime Humidifier, Levoit Oasis 1000 Cool Mist Humidifier, and Dyson Purifier Humidify + Cool Formaldehyde to review.
Vicks 3-In-1 SleepyTime Humidifier - Best Budget Humidifier
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Quiet operation
- Diffuser Panel
Cons
- Short run-cycle
- Limited features
- No option to dim the display light
Price: $
If you’re looking for a humidifier on a budget, the Vicks 3-in-1 SleepyTime Humidifier is the one for you! While it’s definitely marketed for kids, we think it’s an excellent choice for everyone. Our favorite thing about this humidifier is the diffuser panel. It comes with a Vicks menthol pad you can use in the diffuser for extra comfort when you’re sick.
This humidifier is very quiet and only emits a low hum. We actually found this sound to be good white noise during the night. The display screen is very straightforward, with just a few buttons for operation. We think it’s a pretty aesthetically pleasing device, but it's also easy to tuck away in a corner if you don’t want it to be seen.
Despite how great the Vicks 3-in-1 SleepyTime Humidifier is, it does have some faults. The first is that it claims to have a 24-hour run cycle, but we’re skeptical you could get that kind of use on anything but the absolute lowest setting. On the highest setting, you’re only likely to get one 8-hour use before needing to add more water. It can also be difficult for busy people to deep clean because it takes several steps. This humidifier also lacks smart features and has a display that cannot be dimmed.
Levoit Oasis 1000 Cool Mist Humidifier - Best Mid-Range Humidifier
Pros
- Sleep-friendly design
- Extended run time
- Smart features and timer
Cons
- Very tall and unsuitable under short shelves
- Gets louder with higher settings
- No cleaning indicator
Price: $$
The Levoit Oasis 1000 Cool Mist Humidifier is the best overall humidifier on our list because it has many excellent features at a decent price. The first thing worth mentioning is its smart features. You can control the amount of humid air released into the room. There’s also a timer, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally leaving it on when you’re not home. The timer allows you to set it and forget it. The tank also lasts 100 hours before needing a refill, so you don’t have to refill before each use.
This humidifier is the perfect sleep companion. It humidifies the air in seconds, giving you cool, refreshing air. You can also dim the light display so it doesn’t keep you up at night. It’s very quiet, and you can control the humidifying level, which in turn controls the volume. We also appreciate the option of adding essential oils to release throughout the room.
Our biggest issue with the Levoit OasisMist 1000S Smart Humidifier is the size. While it doesn’t take up much room horizontally, it is very tall. If you plan to place it under a shelf or on a counter, it may not be the best option for you.
Dyson Purifier Humidify + Cool Formaldehyde - Best High-End Humidifier
Pros
- It's both a humidifier and an air purifier
- Auto fan with a real-time sensor
- Long run time
Cons
- High price tag
- Kind of bulky
- Deep cleaning requires a specific cleaning solution
Price: $$$
The Dyson Purifier Humidfy + Cool Formaldehyde is your best choice if you want a top-of-the-line humidifier. The feature that sets it apart most from the other products on our list is the inclusion of a purifier. This product purifies and humidifies your air at the same time. It traps gasses and ultrafine particles and destroys formaldehyde to keep your air safe and clean. Another feature we love is the auto fan. This is a real-time sensor that tracks the air quality and adjusts the fan strength and humidity levels to best clean the air.
Although it doesn’t last as long between refills as the Levoit humidifier, a full tank lasts 36 hours, much more than many other humidifiers. It also runs a long time between cleanings and will notify you when it’s time to be cleaned. Its interface is very easy to use and includes a timer and smart features to further enhance its user-friendly design. This humidifier is also super quiet. It’s louder when the fan is at a higher setting, but in auto mode, it doesn’t often get loud enough to notice.
Even though it has excellent features, the Dyson Purifier Humidify + Cool Formaldehyde has one major drawback — the price. Because it’s so expensive, it’s not a good option for budget-conscious consumers. You can buy many humidifiers and purifiers separately and still not even come close to this price tag. However, if you’re in the market for a high-quality humidifier/purifier combo and can spend the money, we would definitely recommend this Dyson product.
Which Is Best for You?
Although the Dyson humidifier does a better job than both the Vicks and Levoit, we think the price tag is too steep to recommend for the average consumer. Our top pick is the Levoit. The large water tank and the timer setting justify its moderate cost. The Vicks is a great budget pick, but its features are limiting compared to the others.
If you’re interested in trying one of these humidifiers for yourself, you can find the Vicks one here, Levoit here, and Dyson here.
