Welcome to Hype Machine, our hit-list of the top reviewed products across the web — according to a crowd of die-hard shoppers. Call this your 4-star & up only club, with entry granted by our devoted-to-the-goods shop editors.
From gift shopping to party planning and feast prepping, the holidays can dry us out — figuratively and literally. Which is why, when this annual festive hustle ends and dry January begins, it's important to stop and invest in our health with one of the season's top home buys: a humidifier. For this week's edition of Hype Machine, we're tackling the air enhancement devices that won't moisturize tapped-out bank accounts but will soothe tired skin and achy sinuses during the harsh months ahead.
Humidifiers are engineered to add moisture to dry environments, and according to Medical News Today, "people are more likely to benefit from a humidifier in the cold months, when cold air dries out the lungs, nose, and lips. Also, some types of central heating can dry out the air indoors." With five different types (steam vaporizer, ultrasonic, evaporator, impeller, and central humidifiers) and seemingly endless styles available, we hunted down the 13 best options out there — according to the glowing reviews of air-quality aficionados. Scroll ahead to shop the top-rated humidifiers that will turn your dry winter spaces into hydrated, self-care oases.
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The USB Humidifier
Hydrate any air — from car to desk space — with this mini, portable humidifier that can plug into computers or phones via USB-power ports.
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Air Aficionados Say: "One of my best Amazon purchases ever. Great compact humidifier for car or home. This small diffuser puts out a steady stream of mist for about 4 hours. Double that time if using intermittent mode. Easy to use. Comes with a USB to micro USB cable. I've been using by my bedside for a few days. I've also tested in car and it works great. Fits in small cupholders. Couldn't be happier!" — Amazon Customer, Amazon Review
Epoch Making USB Mini Humidifier, $16.88, available at Amazon
The Sleek Humidifier
This stylish matte-black model is a compact five liter cool-misting machine, complete with a touch-screen digital display for misting levels and on-time room temperature.
The Hype: 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Air Aficionados Say: "It is so elegant...It has many different settings such as different moist level, sleep mode etc...I can feel the difference when its on." — Amazon Customer, Amazon Review
iTvanila Cool Mist Humidifier, $46.99, available at Amazon
The Under $50 Choice Humidifier
This Amazon's Choice product has been reviewed over 1,000 times, with 88% of those reviews clocking in at well over 4-stars. With an intelligent LED water-level indicator and a tubular-flow air duct, this cool mist humidifier provides a more powerful output of moisture for longer durations (i.e. up to 24 hours of working time).
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Air Aficionados Say: "This was easy to find on Amazon; attractively priced, auto shut off upon empty tank, and got here super quick. But the best thing was that I was so happy to find the humidifier SUPER EASY to set up!" — Amazon Customer, Amazon Review
VicTsing Cool Mist Humidifier, $38.99, available at Amazon
The Chic Humidifier
Ultrasonic safe-mist technology meets chic decor piece in this bacteria-destroying humidifier that's built to run 18 hours in rooms up to 400 sq. ft.
The Hype: 4.1 out of 5 stars on Bed Bath & Beyond.
Air Aficionados Say: "I bought the pink one two years ago and run it basically 24/7 in the winter. I live in a condo and it does a great job in the room it's in. It also looks beautiful, like part of my decor, unlike all the other ugly humidifiers out there! It helps keep my skin hydrated and nose stuffiness at bay. " — Grace, Bed Bath & Beyond Review
Objecto H3 Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier, $79.98, available at Bed Bath & Beyond
The Filterless Humidifier
This ultra-quiet, cool-mist humidifier is able to maintain its sleek structure by going filter-free — the 1.25-gallon tank is also designed with a wide opening for easy filling and cleaning.
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Air Aficionados Say: "No filters, very easy to fill, great-looking, and one fill lasts me at least a day and a half. I love the little scent slot where you can put a few drops of essential oil. It keeps the water clean and unpolluted with oil, but it really scents the air well." — Jeddy 3, Amazon Review
Honeywell Designer Series Cool Mist Humidifier, $69.98, available at Amazon
The Hi-Tech Humidifier/Purifier
A compact cool-mist humidifier that also doubles as an ionic air purifier, this top-reviewed model comes complete with an easy-to-read, set, and monitor LCD screen.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars on Overstock.
Air Aficionados Say: "It's quiet, works perfect. Looks nice, doesn't take up too much space, doesn't leave area around wet. The air quality improved a lot after only about 30 minutes." — Vladan J., Overstock Review
Costway Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier, $52.99, available at Overstock.com
The Cute Humidifier
A USB-powered, tree-shaped humidifier that's built for cute and easy portability — tote this Amazon's Choice buy, with two spray modes and automatic power-off protection, with you from home to office and beyond.
The Hype: 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Air Aficionados Say: "Great product! I did A LOT of research before I bought this diffuser. I am very happy with my purchase - even bought one for a Christmas gift...It's small, cute and silent." — Maria, Amazon Review
Arespark Mini Cool Mist Humidifier, $18.97, available at Amazon
The Premium Humidifier
Dyson is known for its cutting-edge, premium home devices — and this hygienic mist humidifier falls right in line with its sleek design and intelligent climate control technology that monitors and balances air moisture to temperature.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars on Macy's.
Air Aficionados Say: "Being able to select the fan speed and level of humidity has enabled us to make the rooms comfortable and healthier. I have never experienced such a valuable benefit from any other in home appliance." — HappyReviewer, Macy's Review
Dyson AM10 Hygienic Mist Humidifier, $399.99, available at Macy's
The Steam Vaporizer Humidifier
This humidifier from Vicks utilizes steam vaporizer technology to provide warm moisture for relief of irritated winter respiratory symptoms — the product also features automatic shut-off capabilities and a special slot for adding medicinal inhalants or essential oil scents.
The Hype: 4 out of 5 stars on Target.
Air Aficionados Say: "This vaporizer is exactly what I needed in my home and after looking at all available retailers, Target offered the best price. Ordered online, did in-store pick up and it was waiting for me in store. Thumbs up!" — Anaegomez, Target Review
Vicks Warm Steam Vaporizer Humidifier, $14.89, available at Target
The Small Humidifier
This small but sleek #1 Best Seller on Amazon produces more mist than previous versions of the product — and also includes seven color-changing light modes and programmable on-off cycles.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Air Aficionados Say: "Super IMPRESSED!!!!!! I bought two...so glad I did. I like that I can choose which option that I can run it at either the Mist or intermittent mist or continuous mist.. it automatically turns off once it is out of water. I really like that feature. It is so easy to use and it shows you where to fill it up inside the plastic area. It comes with a nice clear plastic container as well to store the chords and also tell you how much to fill it up and as well." — Nunez.Family.Farms, Amazon Review
URPOWER Cool Mist Humidifier, $17.98, available at Amazon
The Cool & Warm Humidifier
Made with an elite smart mist technology, this ultrasonic humidifier boasts both cool and warm-mist capabilities from a sensor that monitors and maintains humidity levels within your space.
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars on Wayfair.
Air Aficionados Say: "This is the third humidifier we've purchased and by far the best. I like that we can have cool mist or warm. You can choose the humidity level you prefer and it will shut itself off when it reaches that level and go back on when it drops again. It's got a pretty powerful output- yet very quiet." — JoAnn, Wayfair Review
PureGuardian Cool & Warm Mist Ultrasonic Console Humidifier, $153.99, available at Wayfair
The Award-Winning Humidifier
The drop-shaped design of this PTPA (Parent Tested Parent Approved) award winner is designed to provide a steady stream of soothing, cool mist for up to 24-hours.
The Hype: 4.2 out of 5 stars on Walmart.
Air Aficionados Say: "Best humidifier I've ever purchased! No filter to change, easy to fill, absolutely quiet operation. The top cone allows me to direct the mist where I want it to go. Easy to clean." — Birdie, Walmart Review
Crane Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier, $39.99, available at Walmart
The Large Humidifier
This crisp, Amazon's Choice model can hold up to 5-liters of water for 40-hours of consistent cool moisture output — it also runs at a noise level that's described as, "even lower than that of turning the page of a book."
The Hype: 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Air Aficionados Say: "So quiet! So effective! Holds a lot of water. It's great." — Amazon Customer, Amazon Review
Homasy Humidifier With 5L Ultrasonic Large Capacity, $46.99, available at Amazon
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