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The 9 Best Dehumidifiers of 2024, Tested & Reviewed

Get rid of the dreaded dampness with these effective dehumidifiers

Pure Enrichment PureDry Deluxe Dehumidifier on a crate near a dresser

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

The right dehumidifier for your space can make you feel more comfortable and can also help you avoid issues like mold and mildew. “Ideally, a home would be kept between 40 to 60 percent relative humidity,” says David Ragsdale, SERVPRO Production Manager and Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Instructor. “If your home or business is consistently higher than this [per a humidistat] range a dehumidifier may be recommended.”

To help you find the right dehumidifier for your basement, bedroom, garage, or other humid spaces, we tested 17 top-rated dehumidifiers for six months in our homes across the country, including Alabama, Iowa, New Jersey, New York, and California. We used these dehumidifiers daily through some of the most humid times of the year and noted their performance, and how easy they were to maintain. We evaluated each dehumidifier on ease of setup, effectiveness, design, and how many additional features it had (or didn’t)

We found that before you get started, you need to know your room’s size and current humidity level (or climate). This will help you determine how big of a tank you need and how quickly you need moisture to be removed (moisture removal rate). Another consideration we highly recommend you think about before you shop—if you don't want the hassle of emptying a tank, we highly recommend a model with a continuous drainage setup (for floor drains) or a pump system, that can drain directly into a sink or tub. 

What to Know Before You Get Started

There are three different ways a dehumidifier can handle the water it collects: continuous drainage with a pump/drain, continuous drainage without a pump, or you manually empty a tank. All options on this list have a tank option, while several also have continuous drainage with or without a pump.   

  • Continuous drainage: This is a great option if you live in a very humid area and have access to a floor drain. You simply connect a hose to the unit and have the hose empty into the drain, powered by gravity. You never need to worry about keeping tabs on the bucket or the unit turning off if it's full. Most units require you to purchase your own hose, but this allows you to choose the right size for your space. You can still use the tank on less humid days.
  • Drainage pump: Don't have access to a drain? No problem. Some dehumidifiers with continuous drainage systems have a built-in pump and hose that can direct water up and out of the tank to a utility or laundry room sink. (There are 2 on our list with this option.) You can also opt to turn off the pump and just empty the bucket manually when needed. 

For more shopping help with dehumidifiers, check out our What to Look for Section below.

Editor's Note: This review was revised in February 2024 to include updated testing insights after testing 13 products for 6 months.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Honeywell 30-Pint Smart Dehumidifier

Honeywell TP30WKN 30-Pint Smart Dehumidifier

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Features
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
What We Like
  • Large capacity, easy to empty bucket

  • Continuous drainage system with hose

  • Has a compatible smart app

  • Quiet operation

What We Don't Like
  • Can dry out a small space

The Honeywell 30-Pint Smart Energy Star Dehumidifier is our best overall pick because it was incredibly easy to set up and pair with the smartphone app, and it was extremely effective in different areas of our home. While this dehumidifier wasn't the largest model we tested, it's still effective at removing humidity in rooms up to 1,000 square feet, which is sufficient for most apartments and larger homes.

We were surprised by how quiet this model was when turned on, which makes it a great model to put in the hallway between bedrooms or even in a common area. It's also surprisingly easy to empty, despite the larger tank size. A splash guard and built-in handle make the process pretty spill-proof.

The corresponding app allows you to adjust your ideal humidity level and check current humidity readings throughout the day. You can control multiple dehumidifiers through the app if you have a few smart models. The app alerts you when the tank is full, and once you replace it, this model remembers the previous settings so you don't have to re-adjust.

From the very first day of testing, we noted that this machine was almost too effective and made our home feel slightly dry. However, we were able to adjust the settings to make sure it kept the air at a comfortable level. We recommend adjusting the settings so it doesn’t over dry your air. 

How It Performed Long-Term

During particularly humid summer months in Birmingham, Alabama, we found ourselves emptying the tank two to three times a day. To avoid this on particularly humid months, you may want to utilize the drain hose that comes with it, and operate on continuous flow to avoid having to empty a bucket. However, we still think this is a great bucket-style option for larger spaces. We loved that the app alerts you when the tank needs to be cleaned, which was also very quick and easy to do.

Room Size Coverage: 1,000 square feet | Moisture Removal: 30 pints/day | Bucket Capacity: 20 pints | Drainage: Continuous | Energy Star Certified: Yes | Dimensions: 20.1 x 13.2 x 10.5 inches | Weight: 29.9 pounds | Noise Level: Not listed

What size tank do you need?

The size tank you need depends on a few factors: the size of your room, the amount of humidity in the room, and how often you want to empty the tank. For example, for small- to medium-sized rooms (up to 1,500 square feet) with moderate humidity, look for a unit with a 20- to 30-pint tank capacity. If you don’t want to worry about monitoring and emptying a tank, look for one with continuous drainage. 


Best Budget

Eva-Dry Electric Petite Dehumidifier

Eva-dry Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Features
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
What We Like
  • Small and portable

  • Easy to monitor water level

  • Bucket slides in and out easily

  • Works quickly in small spaces

What We Don't Like
  • Small water capacity

Perfect for small spaces, the Eva-Dry Electric Petite Dehumidifier is an effective, compact, and affordable option that reduces humidity quickly. We tested this unit in a 10 x 10-foot bedroom in Des Moines, Iowa, and noticed a difference in the humidity in just under four hours. Although it doesn't have any special features and can't be programmed—it simply has an on/off switch—we found it easy to keep an eye on the small 16-ounce water tank, plus it has an indicator light that turns red when full.

The smaller size means you can keep it on a shelf or out-of-the-way location unlike our best overall, which requires floor space. We noticed it was very quiet (the manufacturer lists it as 50.9 dB, which is a little louder than a refrigerator hum), which also makes it a great option for small spaces. The tank slides in and out easily and is a breeze to clean.

You can’t set this model up for continuous use, so this is best for occasional use when you need to adjust the humidity level in a smaller space. Despite its limitations, we do think this model is a great option at under $100, the lowest price on our list.

How It Performed Long-Term

Over six months, we used this dehumidifier every day in a small bedroom, emptying it consistently once a week. We noticed a difference in the air quality and felt that it helped relieve our allergies and even our cat's allergies. We've cleaned it once a week with water (it has no filter) and have found no build-up in the tank.

Room Size Coverage: 225 square feet | Moisture Removal Rate: Not listed | Bucket Capacity: 1 pint | Drainage: Bucket | Energy Star Certified: No | Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.5 x 5.3 inches | Weight: 3.5 pounds | Noise Level: 50.9 dB

The Eva-Dry Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier sits on carpet

The Spruce / Chrissy Tassin

Best Splurge

Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump

Frigidaire FFAP5033W1 High Humidity 50-Pint Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Features
    5/5
  • Design
    4.3/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.8/5
What We Like
  • Pump and hose included

  • Easy to transport

  • Built-in humidistat

  • Washable filter

What We Don't Like
  • Heavy

  • Continuous drain hose not included

Dubbed the Cadillac of dehumidifiers by our team, this model from Frigidaire is one of the most expensive options we tested, but we found it incredibly consistent at reducing our home's humidity. We also love its versatility: You can opt to have it drain into the bucket, use the built-in pump to drain it vertically, or let it empty into a drain (continuous drainage hose not included).

While we opted to use the continuous drainage hole during the later portion of our testing, we initially ran this model and emptied it manually to understand its mobility and cleaning needs. This dehumidifier fills up pretty quickly—we found that it needs to be emptied at least once, preferably twice, within 12 hours. We didn't have any issues removing this water tank, but we do recommend keeping the entire unit relatively close to a drain because the water tank is quite heavy when full.

The water tank slips out like a drawer and has grips on both sides to make the removal process easier. We wish there was a handle for even easier removal, but it’s manageable. Cleaning the water tank was also very easy. Even though the tank cover may feel like it's not completely removable, it is—just keep jiggling it, and it will pop off.

This dehumidifier does not come with a continuous drainage hose, so you will have to purchase that separately, but a standard-size garden hose also works well in our experience.

The back of the Frigidaire High-Humidity 50-Pint Dehumidifier With Built-In Pump Model FFAP5033W1

The Spruce / Mary Honeyman-Speichinger

We should preface that this dehumidifier is very heavy, so it's best to have a helper nearby to unbox it. We had this model running in about 20 minutes, and it only took us a bit longer because of the amount of packaging that we had to remove. The instruction manual was also very detailed, so we felt confident in understanding all three drainage options before we began running this model.

Despite this dehumidifier's weight, it is relatively easy to move between areas of your home (at least on the same level of a home) thanks to wheels and a collapsible handle that functions similarly to a suitcase handle. You can also set the built-in humidistat so that this model cuts off once your desired humidity is reached. Alternatively, you can set a timer, if you only want the dehumidifier running while you're at home or during certain parts of the day.

We found that this dehumidifier seemed to offer the most relief when set up in one of its continuous drainage configurations, but manually draining it may be more practical if you don’t have a drain or sink nearby. 

How It Performed Long-Term

We initially used this dehumidifier in a basement and moved it to our garage to help make the space usable for projects and working out during the summer. We preferred using the continuous drainage mode—we didn't have to worry about it filling up and turning off, and it somehow made the air even less humid in that mode.

Even though the garage was dustier than the basement, we found that the filter stayed fairly clean and was easy to rinse off when needed. We also found it easy to roll on the caster wheels despite its weight, which came in handy in the garage.

Room Size Coverage: 1,500 square feet | Moisture Removal: 50 pints/day | Bucket Capacity: 16.9 pints | Drainage: Continuous with pump | Energy Star Certified: Yes | Dimensions: 24.25 x 15.96 x 12.19 inches | Weight: 47 pounds | Noise Level: Not listed

Best Smart

Midea 50-Pint Cube Dehumidifier

Midea MAD50S1QWT 50-Pint Cube Dehumidifier

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Features
    5/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
What We Like
  • Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home

  • Live humidity and water tank readings

  • Can operate without the bucket and be stored in the bucket to save space

  • Continuous drainage system

What We Don't Like
  • Mildew formed quickly

While testing, we were thrilled with the overall performance and unique, space-saving design of the Midea Cube 50-Pint Smart Dehumidifier. It's packed with features that are similar to other models we tested but its size, moisture removal capacity, and remote monitoring features make it the standout option for our best smart category.

Once you've mastered the onboard controls on this dehumidifier, you can upgrade your experience with the corresponding smartphone app and even connect this model to a smart home hub like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. In the app, you can see live readings of your home's humidity, and the amount of water in the tank (if using it), and you can adjust all of the dehumidifier's levels. From changing the fan speed to resetting your preferred humidity level, you can remotely change pretty much everything. Just make sure you are setting it up in an area that has WiFi, as some basements might not have the best reception.

Thankfully, the instruction manual offers clear guidance on all of the settings and control panel functions, since this has a bit of a complicated design. While we were initially confused about how this model sits on its water bucket, we quickly realized there are helpful guide stickers to line up the correct sides. It was easy to remove the top control panel of the unit when we needed to empty the water tank. Instead of a bucket that slides out and needs to be carried, you can simply roll the water tank to a sink, saving you from having to carry a sloshing water tank.

We tested both the bucket and the continuous drain features of this unit. If you want to use the continuous drain function on this dehumidifier, you simply remove the water tank from the bottom and add the drainage hose, which is included when you purchase this model. However, the hose was a bit short for our needs, so we used our own. But we liked that it allows you to thread a hose into the connector or use a piece of tubing (non-threaded), depending on what you have handy.

We thought it was slightly inconvenient to lose the wheels when this dehumidifier operates in continuous drainage (because the hose connects underneath), as well as lose some of the space-saving design (since you need to store the bucket when not in use), but we loved the convenience of not having to empty it ourselves.

Our only concern with this dehumidifier is that it started showing signs of mildew growth much faster than other models in our list. We recommend cleaning the water tank whenever you empty it to help combat this. We suspect that this is because of the fan that sits directly on top of the dehumidifier, which takes in much more air than other models that don't have an external fan.

How It Performed Long-Term

After the initial testing period, we continued testing this model in a basement in the continuous drain mode only (which also avoided any concerns with mildew building in the tank) and found the filter very easy to clean. Even during exceptionally humid summer months in New Jersey, our basement's humidity never went above 50 percent thanks to this unit, which was very impressive.

Room Size Coverage: 4,500 square feet | Moisture Removal: 50 pints/day | Bucket Capacity: 34 pints | Drainage: Continuous | Energy Star Certified: Yes | Dimensions: 14.57 x 14.76 x 14.45 inches | Weight: 42 pounds | Noise Level: 54.5 dB

Best Portable

Pro Breeze Mini Portable Dehumidifier

Pro Breeze Mini Portable Dehumidifier

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Features
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Small footprint

  • Lightweight

  • Full tank indicator light

  • Easy to use

What We Don’t Like
  • Not programmable

  • Not best for larger spaces

While the Pro Breeze 0.45-Pint Dehumidifier is similar in size, price, and features as our best budget pick, the Eva-Dry Electric Petite Dehumidifier, this unit is even lighter and has a smaller bucket size, without sacrificing effectiveness. We tested it in a 10 x 10 bedroom in Brooklyn, New York, and we loved that it made a noticeable improvement in just a few minutes. In fact, on a particularly hot day, the humidity decreased from 77 to 65 percent in about an hour. Plus, it's so quiet that we forgot it was on.

This dehumidifier was easy to set up after unboxing it and plugging it in. Simply flip the power switch and it will begin dehumidifying your air. It is not programmable and doesn’t have any special features or settings, but we appreciate how simple this model is to use. It does have two indicator lights, one to tell you that the unit is on and the other to tell you that the tank is full.

To empty the tank, you just pull it out from the front of the unit and pour it into a sink or tub. Although it does have a small tank, we didn't have to empty it often (we logged four days of consistent use without needing to empty it). We also liked that we could monitor the water level easily through the transparent blue tank without waiting for the full tank indicator. Cleaning the tank is easy, and although the air filter isn't removable, it can be dusted out.

How It Performed Long-Term

We have used this dehumidifier in both a bedroom and a small living room. We didn't have to empty the tank often, and each time we cleaned it, we noticed no build-up or grime. We love how effortless it is to maintain, and how easy it is to move around our home and recommend it for traveling or for reducing the humidity in any small space.

Room Size Coverage: 150 square feet | Moisture Removal Rate: 0.5 pints/day | Bucket Capacity: 0.8 pints | Drainage: Bucket | Energy Star Certified: No | Dimensions: 8.66 x 6.1 x 5.1 inches | Weight: 2.29 pounds | Noise Level: Not listed

The Pro Breeze Mini Portable Dehumidifier

The Spruce / Chantia Murphy

Best for Basements

hOmeLabs 50-Pint Dehumidifier

hOmeLabs 50-Pint 4,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Features
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Can set desired humidity level

  • Impressive coverage

  • Large capacity tank

  • Continuous drain system

What We Don't Like
  • Continuous drain hose not included

  • Can heat up small rooms

The hOmeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier has a large capacity and is the perfect dehumidifier for a basement and other spaces that need extra power or are routinely damp. We've had the opportunity to test this particular model twice now in several different settings, but its features do make it ideal for basements. This hOmeLabs model covers up to 4,500 square feet and can work for finished or unfinished basements. You can run it as an isolated system with the bucket, or continuous drainage with a hose.

During testing, we found this dehumidifier to be really user-friendly, with easy-to-follow instructions. The controls are also easy to use: Just set the ideal humidity level and let it automatically adjust as needed. There is even a turbo fan option if you want the fastest response, and we found this setting the most effective for quickly removing humidity on especially warm days.

The default setting is continuous drainage (meaning it is always on), which is the best option in really humid areas. While using this dehumidifier in a basement in Des Moines, Iowa, we had it on this setting on very humid June and July days and had to empty the tank several times a day (even though it's a large tank). We recommend setting up the continuous drain system if you plan to run this model often. It has a ready-to-use connection, but you will need to get a separate drainage hose.

The comfort setting on this dehumidifier also makes it suitable for less muggy areas of your home that you want to only monitor occasionally. During our testing, we could go several days between needing to empty the unit, making it a much lower maintenance setting, too. Best of all, we loved that the built-in humidistat readings matched (or were slightly off by one percent) the separate hygrometer that we used during testing. With so many settings to choose from and an easy setup process, this model is definitely worth the splurge, especially if you have a large area to monitor.

How It Performed Long-Term

We used the bucket for the first three months of use and then switched over to the continuous drain system, in the continuous use mode for the peak summer months. We found it easy to set up and noticed no leaking during the time we used it. We felt like it made a huge difference in our comfort level while spending time in our fully carpeted basement, and it helped reduce the damp smell. However, we did use this in our dining room for a short time and the fan seemed to make the room hotter. We have opted for a smaller unit for that room instead, and continue to think this is the best option for the basement.

Room Size Coverage: 4,500 square feet | Moisture Removal: 50 pints/day | Bucket Capacity: 15.4 pints | Drainage: Continuous | Energy Star Certified: Yes | Dimensions: 24.3 x 15.4 x 11 inches | Weight: 40 pounds | Noise Level: Not listed

Best for Garages

Frigidaire 35-Pint Dehumidifier

Frigidaire FFAD3533W1 Moderate Humidity 35-Pint Dehumidifier

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Features
    4.8/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
What We Like
  • Large tank capacity

  • Washable filter

  • Continuous drain system

What We Don't Like
  • Drainage hose not included

  • Loud on higher fan speeds

Garages can get damp and smelly, too, and it can be important to find a dehumidifier that's up to the task of quickly removing the wet. This model from Frigidaire, which has the second highest moisture removal rate on our list (only behind our best splurge pick), can continuously drain with a hose to serve as a low-maintenance appliance that can be left on all the time. We found it a little loud on the higher fan settings, but that wouldn't be too much of a problem in a garage.

The best part about this model is that it did not take long at all for us to notice a difference in smell and air quality during our testing in a 700-square-foot space. We opted to test this dehumidifier in a basement with a washing machine and sump pump, so it had plenty of forces working against it. We even noticed that standing puddles of water seemed to evaporate faster when this unit was turned on.

If you do choose to use the bucket instead of the continuous drain, it's a pretty easy process. Just like other Frigidaire models in our list, this one wasn't difficult to set up at all. The water tank is a little big, and some users may find it difficult to transport it to a drain, but we didn't think it was overly challenging. There is an empty tank indicator light as well as a red bobber in the tank so you can monitor the water level.

How It Performed Long-Term

We eventually switched over to the continuous drain system for the humid months—we had to empty the tank every 2 to 3 days, and it was shutting off for several hours before we noticed. After switching, we found that the dehumidifier didn't have to work as hard (because it kept a consistent humidity level versus having to start from scratch each time), and we liked not worrying about the bucket. 

While it is a slight inconvenience (and increase in cost) that the hose must be purchased separately, we were able to get the exact size we needed, something that was long enough to reach our drain, but not too long to cause a tripping hazard. We still think this is a great option to use with the tank, but the drain system is particularly useful if you are dealing with a lot of humidity.

Room Size Coverage: Not listed | Moisture Removal: 35 pints/day | Bucket Capacity: 16.9 pints | Drainage: Continuous | Energy Star Certified: Not listed | Dimensions: 24.25 x 15.97 x 12.19 inches | Weight: 40 pounds | Noise Level: 45 dB

Best for Apartments

GE Dehumidifier with Built-in Pump

GE APEL50LZ Dehumidifier with Built-in Pump

Walmart

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Features
    5/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
What We Like
  • Sleek design

  • Efficient

  • Build-in pump

  • Loud alert when tank is full

What We Don't Like
  • Smaller water tank

  • Louder than other options

If you live in an apartment that can become damp during warmer months and don’t have access to a floor drain, a dehumidifier with a pump is a great option. We tested this GE model in a 900-square-foot space, where it began making a difference in the air quality in just a few hours: The floor felt less sticky, and the air felt cooler and less musty.

While it's easy to set up, we do recommend having someone nearby to help in case you need to carry this unit up or down a flight of stairs, but it does have wheels, which makes rolling it between rooms easy. The water tank slides out of the front of the unit with little effort, and it even has a water level window so you can keep an eye on how much water is in the tank. 

If you opt to use the built-in pump, you can easily position the drain line to empty into a sink, toilet, or tub. This model also has a continuous drain option, but it does not come with the drain hose, so you will have to purchase that separately if you have a floor drain or other regular disposal point.

We will note that this model's water tank is slightly smaller than some of the other similarly sized dehumidifiers in our list, but you can rest knowing that this model has a very loud tank full alert (which we found more helpful than annoying). It will beep once the tank is full, so you can be sure that your room's dehumidification isn't interrupted for too long. We also appreciated the built-in timer, with 2- and 4-hour settings, and the built-in fan, which helped cool down the room, especially on medium and high. It also has an auto defrost (for cold climates) and filter reset button to help you remember when to clean the filter.

We recognize that this model is also a splurge pick, but the built-in pump really does make it ideal for apartment living, where you may not have access to a floor drain. Just note that we did find it a bit loud and we needed to talk over it when close by, so it's not ideal to have in very small spaces.

Room Size Coverage: 4,500 square feet | Moisture Removal: 50 pints/day | Bucket Capacity: 15 pints | Drainage: Continuous with pump | Energy Star Certified: Yes | Dimensions: 24.02 x 14.76 x 11.38 inches | Weight: 43.7 pounds | Noise Level: Not listed

Best for Bedrooms

Whirlpool 40-Pint Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump

Whirlpool WHAD40PCW 40-Pint Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Features
    4.5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
What We Like
  • Child lock

  • Caster wheels and built-in handles

  • Quiet operation

  • Continuous drainage system

What We Don't Like
  • Water tank is slightly difficult to remove

Bedrooms can also be susceptible to humid conditions, especially if they border the outside of your home and have older window casings. Our main reason for selecting the Whirlpool as our best for bedrooms pick is because of its quiet operation, which only reaches 53 decibels on its high setting. For reference, that's about as loud as a quiet conversation in a library, so you can easily talk over it. Additionally, this model is set on wheels and has built-in handles on the side of it so you can roll it from room to room without much effort.

We opted to manually empty this dehumidifier during our testing period, and the process was just as simple as the other models in our list. However, if you do choose to use the built-in pump or continuous drainage options, you will need to purchase a drain hose or use an old garden hose. We will point out that this water tank did require a bit of effort to remove and replace but it wasn't overly challenging.

The built-in humidistat is a great feature if you have an ideal humidity level in mind, and you can also set a 24-hour timer if you experience an especially humid day. We also appreciate that this model has a small tank window so you can easily monitor the water level and empty it at appropriate intervals.

The removable dust filter is also easy to rinse off and dry, and this model will alert you when the filter does need to be rinsed. With all of the controls you could need and an intuitive control panel to match, this dehumidifier is a great option for bedrooms—plus it has a child lock so curious kids won't accidentally interrupt its functions.

How It Performed Long-Term

We used this dehumidifier in our basement during very humid months. We found ourselves having to empty the tank at least once a day, and sometimes it would fill up in the afternoon and we would have to empty it again. We wished for a bigger bucket to avoid this, but it could also be avoided by using the continuous drain system if you have access to a drain. We also found that the built-in humidistat reading was consistently 15 percent higher than the external one during the testing period, but that didn't seem to make the room feel too dry.

Room Size Coverage: 3,000 square feet | Moisture Removal: 40 pints/day | Bucket Capacity: 14.8 pints | Drainage: Continuous with pump | Energy Star Certified: Yes | Dimensions: 25.2 x 15.04 x 12.01 inches | Weight: 41.78 pounds | Noise Level: 49 dB

Compare

Setup Features Design Ease of Use Effectiveness
Honeywell TP30WKN 30-Pint Smart Dehumidifier
Best Overall:
Honeywell 30-Pint Smart Dehumidifier
5 5 5 5 5
Eva-dry Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier
Best Budget:
Eva-Dry Electric Petite Dehumidifier
5 5 5 5 5
Frigidaire FFAP5033W1 High Humidity 50-Pint Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump
Best Splurge:
Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump
5 5 4.3 5 4.8
Midea MAD50S1QWT 50-Pint Cube Dehumidifier
Best Smart:
Midea 50-Pint Cube Dehumidifier
5 5 4.5 5 5
Pro Breeze Mini Portable Dehumidifier
Best Portable:
Pro Breeze Mini Portable Dehumidifier
5 5 5 5 4.5
hOmeLabs 50-Pint 4,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier
Best for Basements:
hOmeLabs 50-Pint Dehumidifier
5 5 5 5
Frigidaire FFAD3533W1 Moderate Humidity 35-Pint Dehumidifier
Best for Garages:
Frigidaire 35-Pint Dehumidifier
5 4.8 4.5 5 5
GE APEL50LZ Dehumidifier with Built-in Pump
Best for Apartments:
GE Dehumidifier with Built-in Pump
5 5 4 5 5
Whirlpool WHAD40PCW 40-Pint Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump
Best for Bedrooms:
Whirlpool 40-Pint Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump
5 4.5 5 5 5
Final Verdict

It can be tricky to determine what makes a dehumidifier model universal for a variety of settings. Our best overall pick, the Honeywell Smart WiFi Energy Star Dehumidifier, comes very close, with both a tank and a continuous drainage feature for versatility. It is easy to set up, fast and effective, and can be remotely monitored for a hands-off maintenance experience. Our best budget pick, the Eva-dry Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier, is a great affordable alternative to a large dehumidifier. Although it has a smaller capacity, we appreciate its compact size and the full tank indicator light that alerts you when it needs to be emptied.

Other Options We Tested

Frigidaire Gallery FGAC5044W1 Dehumidifier: We were excited by the potential of this dehumidifier with so many settings and a large water tank, but we found that the instructions were confusing, and the controls were not intuitive. We also think it’s too loud of an option for a small space. However, we did find it very effective and think it’s a good option for basements or somewhere out of the way where the noise isn’t distracting.

The side view of the Midea 4,500 Sq. Ft. Energy Star Certified Dehumidifier With Reusable Air Filter

The Spruce / Chad Sparks

How We Tested the Dehumidifiers

We tested 17 dehumidifiers for up to six months. We made sure that each was tested in basements or other areas of the home that are particularly prone to humidity or dampness. 

Before creating our methodology, our team also consulted two experts: David Ragsdale, SERVPRO Production Manager and IICRC Instructor, and Lane Dixon, VP of Operations for Aire Serv. These experts helped us determine the best methods to test dehumidifiers and guided our process to monitor humidity levels.

Each model was evaluated on setup, effectiveness, ease of use, features, and design.

Once all of the dehumidifier models arrived at our homes, we timed how long the setup process took from unboxing to being plugged in. We let the dehumidifiers sit for 24 hours before turning them on, to ensure that the oils in each model's compressor had time to settle, which allowed for proper unit performance.

We turned the dehumidifiers on and ran them for no less than 12 hours each day over a two-week period. We recorded the humidity of our space with an external hygrometer. If the dehumidifiers had a built-in hygrometer, we also recorded the reading on that. For some units, we did notice that there were slight discrepancies between the built-in humidistat readings and the separate hygrometers we cross-referenced. These differences were never more than a few degrees though and, for the most part, the dehumidifiers did accurately report the current humidity levels.

While going through the typical maintenance of emptying the water tanks, monitoring humidity levels, and familiarizing ourselves with the controls on each model, we also considered how easy they were to use, what bonus or smart features each had, and the design. We made sure to note models that had a built-in humidistat, auto-off feature, timer, frost control sensor, and auto-restart. 

For models that had built-in pumps, we also considered how efficiently they drained into sinks or tubs. Similarly, we monitored models with continuous drainage to ensure they emptied properly. 

When it came time to empty each dehumidifier's water tank, we checked for mold growth and the filters (if applicable). When necessary, we cleaned the water tanks and filters. To determine overall value, we thought about factors like maintenance cost as well when deciding if we'd purchase the units independently or recommend them to others.

We continued testing for six months and noted if they still were working as expected, how often we had to empty the tank, any leaking or issues with pumps or continuous drainage systems, how easy it was to clean, and how often we needed to clean it. We also reported on all of the features and how helpful they were over time.

The top of the Midea 4,500 Sq. Ft. Energy Star Certified Dehumidifier With Reusable Air Filter

The Spruce / Chad Sparks

What to Look for in a Dehumidifier

Moisture Removal Rate

The amount of liquid that a dehumidifier can remove from the air within a 24-hour period is typically measured in pints per day—though occasionally you’ll also see it labeled as gallons per day. Typically, the number of pints per day will be closely related to how big of a space the unit can dehumidify.

Small-capacity dehumidifiers, like our best budget pick, the Pure Enrichment Dry Deluxe Dehumidifier, are those that remove less than 20 pints per day. These mini dehumidifiers are best suited for bedrooms or smaller spaces. There are also mid-size dehumidifiers that can remove between 30 and 50 pints per day. Our best for bedrooms pick, the Whirlpool WHAD40PCW Dehumidifier, can remove up to 40 pints per day.

If you are getting a dehumidifier to keep in one room that gets humid often, our best for basements pick, the hOmeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier, might be worth the bulk to get increased capacity. Smaller spaces can generally have a smaller dehumidifier. If you plan on moving your dehumidifier around, look for one that is small and light enough to carry or one with wheels.

Water Tank Capacity

The capacity of the water tank in your dehumidifier will dictate how often you need to empty the unit. If the tank becomes full, a float sensor inside the tank will cause the unit to shut off. It’s important to know that dehumidifiers with an increased ability to remove more pints per day of moisture from the air don’t have tank sizes to match since that would make the size of the unit huge. Instead, most standard-size dehumidifiers have tanks that only hold about 1 gallon of water (some hold a little more and some hold less). As a result, if you want the unit to keep working at maximum efficiency, you’ll either need to empty the tank multiple times per day or set the unit up to continuously drain. Our best for apartments pick, the GE APEL50LZ Dehumidifier with Built-in Pump, has a pump that allows it to drain vertically into a sink, shower, or toilet. This is ideal for smaller spaces that may not have a floor drain.

Maintenance

Like humidifiers, dehumidifiers can develop mold and mildew if not cleaned properly. Check the owner’s manual on the dehumidifier for the recommended cleaning process. In general, to clean your dehumidifier, you’ll need to rinse out the tank every few weeks to avoid any build up. If your dehumidifier has a filter, you’ll need to replace, dust, or wash it as recommended. Our best for garages pick, the Frigidaire 35-Pint Dehumidifier, has a washable air filter that is easy to remove and rinse out.

Person pulling filter from hOmeLabs 50-Pint 4,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier

The Spruce / Jessica Christopher

Energy Star Ratings

If you know that you’ll need to run your dehumidifier often, it’s best to find one that is Energy Star Certified. Not only is this better for your wallet by saving you money on electricity costs, but it can also be beneficial to your home’s electrical system since it does not put as much of a strain on it. An energy-efficient dehumidifier is also a good eco-friendly choice. Many of the models in our list are Energy Star certified including our best overall, the Honeywell Smart Dehumidifier, which also has a washable filter and alerts when it's time to clean it.

FAQ
  • How do dehumidifiers work?

    Dehumidifiers work by removing excess moisture from your home's or a room's air. You may want to consider purchasing a dehumidifier if you live in an older home with poorly sealed windows and doors, or have an especially dank basement. Keep in mind that if your basement is especially damp, you'll want to look for a dehumidifier that has a drain pump. This will prevent you from having to empty it frequently.
    In order to remove moisture in your home's air, a dehumidifier pulls air through chilled metal coils or fins that condense any water vapor in the air. The condensed vapor then drains into a water bucket in the dehumidifier. While some dehumidifiers can come with drain pumps, others do not. Such dehumidifiers require frequent emptying to keep the unit running.

  • When do I need to use a dehumidifier?

    While there is some level of personal preference and seasonality, the optimal humidity level in most rooms and homes is between 40 and 60 percent. “For instance, a home in south Florida is likely going to be on the upper end of ideal while a home in the desert southwest may be significantly lower than 40 percent, says Ragsdale.
    Some dehumidifiers can even be programmed to reach a humidity level between 30 and 80 percent, which is just one of the many benefits of a dehumidifier
    "Controlling the humidity in your home can help to reduce the potential for mold growth," says Ragsdale. "Moisture-sensitive materials, such as paper or even electronics, can be affected by high humidity." If you see any signs of mold or mildew, especially in spaces like basements, it is a good idea to set up a dehumidifier as well as treat the existing problem.


  • What size dehumidifier do I need?

    Look for a dehumidifier that is capable of handling the square footage of your room. It is best to get one that can work for larger spaces than you need to ensure that it can be effective. You should also consider the typical humidity level in the room and how much it may need to run. Most dehumidifiers have recommended space sizes and humidity levels.
    “A dehumidifier’s physical size is really irrelevant,” says Ragsdale. “What is important is the amount of water the dehumidifier will remove from the air in a 24-hour period. This is measured in either pints or liters per day.”

  • Are dehumidifiers hard to clean?

    "The size of your dehumidifier and your home humidity level may increase or decrease the need for cleaning the unit," says Dixon. Most dehumidifiers can be cleaned with mild soap and water in the collection tank. The exterior can be wiped down and should be dusted frequently, especially on the fan grill. Dixon also suggests checking your dehumidifier's instruction manual for dusting off the coils.

  • Where should you put a dehumidifier?

    Basements are the most common places to put dehumidifiers since they are the rooms that typically get the most humidity and moisture. You can put a dehumidifier in any room, however, and set it for your desired humidity level.
    "If you notice any damp patches, mold, mildew, or a musty smell or condensation on the inside of the window panes of your home, you may need a dehumidifier," says Dixon.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Jenica Currie is an editor for The Spruce and has been with the team since 2020. Currie tests dozens of products for The Spruce, including humidifiers, fans, and gardening products. She updated this list to include our latest testing insights, which include how these dehumidifiers performed over six months of daily use. Living in an old home with a large basement, Currie has personally carried, emptied, and spilled many dehumidifier tanks, so she looks for options that make it less of a hassle.

Our Experts:

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Buying Guidance, Energystar.gov.

  2. What Causes Hearing Loss, Centers for Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Protection.

  3. Environmental Protection Agency. A Brief Guide To Mold, Moisture And Your Home,

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