The 8 Best Ultrasonic Humidifiers for Dry Air
Dry air can be the cause of a variety of frustrating respiratory or skin issues.
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If you suffer from sinus issues, dry or cracked skin, or just want to breathe easier at night, you could benefit from an ultrasonic humidifier. By using a vibrating diaphragm to create a mist of water droplets—instead of a wick and fan to disperse vapor like evaporative models—these machines add moisture back into the air quietly and quickly. They also don’t use a filter like other evaporative humidifiers, and since they tend to have fewer internal components, are easier to keep clean. You’ll want to use distilled water though, to prevent any minerals from being dispersed into the air along with the water vapor.
What to Consider
Most humidifier options will clearly state the maximum square footage that they can effectively humidify. Simply multiply the length and width of your room to get the square footage, and use that number to choose the best option for you. Similarly, you should also consider the capacity of the water tank of your potential humidifier. While smaller tanks take up less room, you’ll also have to refill them more frequently than larger ones.
If you’re using a large humidifier, you may want to choose a model that has a humidistat or humidity sensor. This will allow your machine to detect when humidity levels get too high, and automatically adjust the machine to lower them to your preferred level. Other ultrasonic humidifiers that lack this sensor—and just use a timer or speed control—could potentially over humidify your space, so keep that in mind.
How We Selected
We used a variety of online resources when choosing the options for this list, doing our best to include models that are both popular and reliable. We also made sure to include a range of size and style options as well, so regardless of the amount of space you have available, you should be able to find an option that fits in your room comfortably, and also matches your home decor. Lastly, we included a range of prices as well, ensuring that whatever your budget, there should be an effective model for you.
Pure Enrichment Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Pros
- Night light
- 360-degree nozzle
- Includes cleaning brush
Cons
- May be too compact for larger rooms
Key Specs
- Capacity: 1.5 liters
- Runtime: 25 hours
- Coverage: 250 square feet
This Pure Enrichment model includes a 360-degree nozzle, allowing you to adjust the direction of the mist whenever you like. This feature is especially important if you want to make sure areas of your room aren’t exposed to unnecessary moisture. It’s also designed to be simple to assemble or take apart, without the need for any additional tools.
A handy cleaning brush makes it easy to keep the ultrasonic disk clean and free of debris, allowing it to run at maximum efficiency at all times. An optional night light and automatic shutoff feature makes this model great for use in the bedroom.
Pros
- Compact size
- Low price
Cons
- Too small for medium to large rooms
Key Specs
- Capacity: 1.7 liters
- Runtime: 17 hours
- Coverage: N/A
This low-cost Raydrop humidifier would be a great choice for anyone with a limited budget, but who still wants to experience the benefits of an ultrasonic humidifier. It features a simple to use adjustment wheel, allowing you to dial in the exact speed you want, unlike other models that offer just one or two settings.
It also has an impressively small footprint—just 5.63 inches in diameter—making it ideal for those short on storage space, or who want to place it on their nightstand. Its relatively quiet operation also makes this option well-suited for kids’ rooms, or those who don’t want to be bothered with additional white noise.
Pure Enrichment Pure Enrichment PureSpa XL
Pros
- Color-changing lights
- Long running time
- Compact size
Key Specs
- Capacity: 2 liters
- Runtime: 50 hours
- Coverage: 350 square feet
If you appreciate the calming and relaxing benefits of essential oils, this versatile humidifier could be the perfect fit for you.
Aromatherapy oils can be added directly to the main water tank—no special compartment required—and you can choose between a variety of soft colors to accentuate the ambiance even more.
The 2-liter water tank will run for up to 50 hours without needing a refill, and thanks to the simple assembly design, is easy to maintain and keep clean. Plus, a 5-year guarantee will have you covered if any issues arise.
Everlasting Comfort Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier 6L
Pros
- Large capacity
- Variable speed dial
- Quiet operation
Cons
- May be too bulky for some
Key Specs
- Capacity: 6 liters
- Runtime: 50 hours
- Coverage: 500 square feet
This extra-large ultrasonic humidifier would be a great choice for those with a lot of space to cover. It features a 6-liter water tank, enough to last for up to six straight nights of sleep before needing a refill, and is still relatively quiet when in operation.
It also features a separate tray for adding essential oils into the mist, making it a good choice if you enjoy the relaxing aromatherapy benefits. This model is available in either black or white, so you can choose which best matches your existing room decor.
Vicks Vicks Filter-Free Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Pros
- Compatible with Vicks menthol pad
- Low price
- Easy to clean
Key Specs
- Capacity: 4.5 liters
- Runtime: 30 hours
- Coverage: 400 square feet
This Vicks model could be perfect for those who plan on taking care of sick kids during cold and flu season. Its 4.5-liter tank will provide up to 30 hours of use, and the wide-mouthed design of the unit makes it especially easy to keep clean. The large dial allows you to adjust the speed setting to your liking, and the swiveling nozzle lets you aim the mist exactly where you want it.
It also accepts Vicks menthol pads, which combine with the mist to make this model even more suited to treating young ones with a bad cold or flu.
Pros
- Automatic shutoff
- 360-degree spout
- Quiet operation
Key Specs
- Capacity: 4 liters
- Runtime: 40 hours
- Coverage: 376 square feet
The 4-liter tank of this Levoit model is large enough to cover 376 square feet of space, while still remaining relatively compact with a 6 by 8–inch footprint.
One of our favorite features of this model is the fact that its display lights can be turned off completely, making it great for bedroom use. It also features a separate essential oil tray, as well a dedicated cleaning brush to keep the internal components clean and working effectively.
A top-mounted handle makes it easy to remove the tank, as well as transport the entire machine throughout the house.
Pros
- Remote control
- Easy to fill
- Essential oil tray
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Black color may not match your home style
Key Specs
- Capacity: 6 liters
- Runtime: 40 hours
- Coverage: 500 square feet
If you’re concerned about humidity levels in your home, consider this Hupro model and its integrated humidistat. This handy feature will allow you to set three different levels of humidification, and the machine will constantly monitor the surrounding air and automatically adjust its operation to maintain the level you want.
A large LED display makes it easy for you to check the humidity levels from across the room, even at night. The open-top tank design allows you to pour water directly into it, instead of having to remove and fill under the faucet like most other models.
LEVOIT LEVOIT Ultrasonic Humidifier for Large Rooms
Pros
- Large coverage area
- Remote control
- Smart humidity sensor
Cons
- Expensive
Key Specs
- Capacity: 6 liters
- Runtime: 60 hours
- Coverage: 750 square feet
It’s not the cheapest option out there, but this Levoit model and its impressive variety of features could be a valuable investment for the right user. You can use the control panel to set your preferred humidity level, and a sensor will ensure that it remains steady so you’ll never have to worry about over-humidification.
The convenient remote control is another useful feature, and allows you to set timers, adjust the display, and select humidity levels from across the room.
What really separates this model from other ultrasonic humidifiers is the fact that it can produce either warm or cool mist, making it useful for a wider range of tasks.
Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.
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