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Best Mini Humidifiers

Updated September 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Geniani Portable Cool Mist Humidifier
Geniani
Portable Cool Mist Humidifier
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Most Stylish
Bottom Line

This portable humidifier is perfect for your bedroom, desk, and other similar places.

Pros

It’s powered by a USB cord so you have high versatility on where it can go; you can even use it in the car. It boasts up to 8 hours of runtime on its 250ml tank, and it comes in black or white.

Cons

Some found it difficult to clean, especially if hard water is used regularly.

Best Bang for the Buck
PureGuardian 6L Output per Day Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
PureGuardian
6L Output per Day Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

Incorporates anti-mold technology, which is perfect for those who hate to clean humidifiers.

Pros

Runs quietly. Advertised mold protection actually works. The vertical design doesn’t take up much space. A movable spout helps direct vapor where you want it.

Cons

Tricky to clean and reassemble.

Vicks Mini Filter Free Cool Mist Humidifier
Vicks
Mini Filter Free Cool Mist Humidifier
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

A solid choice with a compact design; it is easy to fill and keep clean.

Pros

Works with Vicks VapoPads. Effective control over humidity levels through a knob. No difficulties filling and cleaning. Humidifies a small space well for such a compact device.

Cons

Doesn’t last through the night on high. Produces a humming noise that's tolerable for most.

AquaOasis Cool Mist Humidifier
AquaOasis
Cool Mist Humidifier
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Easiest to Use
Bottom Line

Runs for 24 hours without needing to be changed, making it perfect for those with a busy schedule.

Pros

Compact size. Holds 2 liters of water without leaking. Very quiet. Automatically shuts off when empty. Easy to operate and fill. Does not require filter changes. Includes a lifetime warranty.

Cons

Some reviewers said it was difficult to clean.

Raydrop Cool Mist Humidifier Diffuser
Raydrop
Cool Mist Humidifier Diffuser
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Great Deal
Bottom Line

A convenient humidifier with an adjustable knob to customize your mist output and humidity levels.

Pros

Features a 2.5-liter tank and offers up to 30 hours of continuous use on the lowest setting. The top-fill design makes it easy to refill and clean the machine.

Cons

Mist output is relatively low, even on the highest setting.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
193
Consumers
Consulted
10
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for best mini humidifiers

Dry skin, itchy eyes, nose bleeds, sore throats, and sinus headaches are just a few of the symptoms you might experience if the humidity levels inside your home are too low. With a handy mini humidifier to introduce moisture to the air, you can alleviate most of these problems.

A humidifier sends moisture into the surrounding air by creating a superfine, nearly invisible mist. You fill its inner tank with water, which it turns it into a fine vapor. Many humidifiers are large appliances designed to add moisture to an entire room or floor, but they can be fairly difficult to move. A mini humidifier is a compact device that can sit on any tabletop to increase the humidity in the immediate area. Its size makes it highly portable so you can take it anywhere.

Think about whether you prefer a cool or warm mist model, what capacity you prefer, what type of power cord best suits your needs, and what other features will help you feel as comfortable as possible. Read on for advice on what to look for, and check out our top picks.

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Indoor humidity should ideally be 30 to 50 percent.

Key considerations

Cool mist, warm mist, or dual?

Mini humidifiers are available in three main types: cool mist, warm mist, and dual models that produce both cool and warm mist.

Cool mist
Cool mist mini humidifiers typically use a vibrating nebulizer that operates at ultrasonic speed to break the water down into extremely small water droplets. The mist created is then blown into the surrounding air by a fan. The water isn’t heated at all, so when the moisture is introduced to the room, it’s room temperature.
 

Warm mist
Warm mist mini humidifiers work in the same manner as cool mist models, but the water is heated before being broken down. This allows the moisture to have a warm feel when introduced to the room. In cold weather, many homeowners find the warmth offers additional comfort. If you have young children, a warm mist mini humidifier can pose a burn risk, so a cool mist model is usually a safer choice.
 

Dual mist
If you’re not sure whether a cool mist or warm mist mini humidifier is right for you, a model that can produce both types of moisture is an great option. Depending on your preference, these mini humidifiers can operate in both cool mist and warm mist modes, so you can use the cool mist option if you need to run the mini humidifier around your children and the warm mist option if no kids will be present.

Capacity

Like all humidifiers, a mini humidifier has a water tank that must be filled for the appliance to produce moisture. The larger a humidifier tank is, the less often you’ll need to refill it.

Mini humidifiers are typically designed for use in spaces that are 25 square feet, but their tanks can range in size from as small as 20 ounces to as large as 6 liters. Models with a limited capacity water tank are extremely compact, so they’re the most travel-friendly. Those with tanks that hold four to six liters tend to be larger, table-top mini humidifiers. Keep in mind that a one-liter mini humidifier usually requires refilling every eight hours.

Features

Power cord
Like any humidifier, a mini humidifier requires electricity to operate. Some models feature standard AC adapters that are plugged into a wall outlet for operation. Other models use a USB cord so you can plug the mini humidifier into any USB port to power it. There are also models that run on batteries.

For the most versatility, choose a mini humidifier that allows you to power it in multiple ways. For example, some models include both an AC adapter and USB cord. Others can run on a USB cord or batteries.

Output settings
Most mini humidifiers have multiple output settings, so you’re able to choose the rate at which moisture is emitted into the air. In most cases, you can choose between high and low output options, though some models may offer three settings.

Adjustable nozzle
Mini humidifiers typically have a nozzle where the mist is released. For the most control, opt for a model with an adjustable nozzle, so you can direct the moisture exactly where you want it to go.

Timer
If you want to be sure that your home or office has the appropriate humidity levels when you arrive, opt for a mini humidifier with a timer. You’ll be able to set the humidifier to turn on at a certain time and then turn off when you no longer need any extra moisture in the room.

Night light
Many mini humidifiers have a built-in light so they can double as a night light on your bedside table. The light usually provides a soft, relaxing glow, so it’s an appropriate option for a child’s bedroom or a nursery.

Noise level
Mini humidifiers can make some noise when they’re producing moisture. They’re usually fairly quiet — they shouldn’t disturb anyone in the family while they’re sleeping, reading, or trying to work. Choose a model that operates at no louder than 40 decibels to make sure it’s as quiet as possible.

Mini humidifier prices

Mini humidifiers vary in price based on their capacity and the special features they offer. Most models usually cost between $10 and $57.

Inexpensive: The most affordable mini humidifiers are models that hold less than one liter of water. They usually don’t offer many special features, but they only cost between $10 and $23.

Mid-range: These mini humidifiers usually hold between one and three liters of water. They may have some special features such as a nightlight or timer, and typically range from $23 to $35.

Expensive: The most expensive mini humidifiers hold between three and six liters of water. They may have quite a few special features, including a nightlight, timer, or adjustable nozzle, and generally cost between $35 and $57.

Tips

  • For the best results, use filtered or distilled water in your mini humidifier.

  • Keeping a mini humidifier clean is the key to continued operation. Clean your humidifier at least every third day of regular use. Follow the cleaning instructions in your owner’s manual to make sure you do it properly for your particular model.

  • Make sure to place your mini humidifier on a flat, even surface. It should be at least several feet away from any bed and in a location where children can’t reach it and accidentally knock it over.

  • Never add any product to your mini humidifier that isn’t designed for use with humidifiers. Essential oils can damage the humidifier and void its warranty.

  • Always empty and dry your mini humidifier before traveling with it.

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Did you know?
Ultrasonic mini humidifiers usually have low energy costs.
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A mini humidifier usually has a max fill line, so be careful not to overfill your humidifier.

FAQ

Q. How much maintenance does a mini humidifier require?
A. 
A mini humidifier doesn’t require much upkeep. You should clean it regularly to prevent mold and bacteria from growing inside so it isn’t blown into the air during operation. Frequently check the nozzle or outlet where the mist emerges, so you know it’s not clogged or blocked in any way. Cool mist mini humidifiers also have a wick filter that needs to be replaced every so often. Consult your owner’s manual to see how often to change the filter and the proper procedure for doing so.

Q. Can a mini humidifier help with my allergies?
A. 
Because a lack of humidity often dries out your nasal passages and throat, triggering allergy symptoms, a mini humidifier can help if you suffer from allergies. If your skin gets dry and irritated in dry conditions, a mini humidifier can help with that as well.

Q. Is a mini humidifier protected by a warranty?
A.
It varies from model to model, but the majority of mini humidifiers do offer some type of warranty protection. Some only have six months of warranty coverage, while others offer up to two years of protection. Read the product specifications carefully to understand the warranty terms for any model you’re considering.