Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.
Our Favourites
Editor’s Choice: Levoit Top-Fill 6L
Best Value: Asakuki
Best for Children: Aennon Cool Mist
Low humidity levels in your home can have a significant impact on your comfort, health, and wellbeing. Dry skin, irritated sinuses and an increased occurrence of colds and flu can all be caused by overly dry air in your home or workplace. Thankfully, the good news is that it’s easy to increase humidity levels by using one of the best humidifiers in the UK.
If you’re struggling to decide which humidifier is your perfect match, read through our detailed reviews below. From the very best humidifier in the UK to budget models, we’ve got all types and styles covered, so you’re sure to find the right humidifier for your home.
On the other hand, if you’re new to humidifiers and want to learn more about them, check out our in-depth buying guide. In this section, we answer frequently asked questions such as ‘Which type of humidifier is best for winter?’, ‘Should you buy a warm mist humidifier or a cool-mist one?’ and ‘Which type is best for your baby’s room?’.
By the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll have all the information you need to make the perfect choice for your needs!
How We Compared Humidifiers
To find the right humidifiers we considered multiple factors including:
- Warm or Cool Mist
- Moisture Level
- Noise
- Colour Changing
- Safety Features
Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.
To find out more about our process please see here.
Best Humidifier Reviews – Top 8 Picks
1. Levoit Top-Fill 6L (Editor’s Choice)
If you are looking for a humidifier with advanced connectivity, the Levoit Top-Fill could be just what you are looking for. It also makes a good choice if you need something that can run for an extended time.
The Levoit humidifier is equipped with a Bluetooth and WiFi connection allowing you to easily control the settings from a Smart device. It is also voice control enabled, so you can connect it to your Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free adjustments.
This humidifier has a top-fill design on its detachable 6-litre tank, making it easy to fill without accidental spills. Impressively, its large water tank can produce mist for up to 60 hours on the lowest of its three mist settings.
The Levoit humidifier also features a sleep mode with a dimmable night light that can be turned completely off if you prefer a more undisturbed sleep environment. A built-in pad for diffusing essential or fragrance oils allows you to add aromatherapy scents to your room as well.
Keep in mind that this humidifier could have a less accurate automatic humidity sensor so you may be better served by controlling it manually. It can also be a bit noisy and is not the easiest to clean.
Pros:
- Large 6L tank capacity
- Built-in aroma diffuser
- Bluetooth and WiFi connection
- Voice control functions enabled
- Dimmable night light
- The humidity sensor may be less accurate
- Can be a bit noisy
- It may not be the easiest tank to clean
2. Asakuki (Best Value)
This ultrasonic humidifier by Asakuki can also be used as a soothing mood light and aromatherapy oil diffuser.
Thanks to its clever design, you can use the light setting independently of the mist settings, increasing this unit’s versatility. You can even adjust the brightness, as well as select a fixed light colour or opt for all seven colours to cycle for optimum ambience. With its 500 ml capacity, this air humidifier has a large enough tank to last you through the night and its waterless auto shut-off means you won’t have to worry about leaving it running. Although, if you’re a light sleeper, you may not want to have it right next to your bedside, as it tends to make a light trickling noise that may disturb your shut-eye.
Aside from its light and aromatherapy functions, one of this unit’s main highlights is its integrated timer. This is ideal if you want to improve your home’s humidity without risking excessive moisture, enabling you to set your humidifier to run for a set duration when you may not be around to turn it off. While it is easy to use once you have the hang of it, you may initially struggle due to the poor instructions and the top can be fiddly to remove when you need to refill.
All in all, this five-in-one humidifier, oil diffuser, and mood light make a great option if are looking to boost your relaxation and wellbeing as well as improve your home’s humidity levels.
Pros:
- 500 ml capacity
- Mood light with adjustable brightness
- Oil diffusion
- Auto shut-off
- Built-in timer
Cons:
- Unclear instructions
- Trickling noise
- Top fiddly to remove
3. Aennon Cool Mist (Best for Children)
With its whisper-quiet operation and generous 2.8-litre capacity, this Aennon Cool Mist Humidifier is an ideal model for creating a soothing environment. Certified to have passed the ETL Safety standards for children, this unit makes an excellent option for baby and kids’ rooms.
With a runtime of over 20 hours on its lowest setting, this humidifier is a great choice if you are looking for a model to leave switched on for long periods of time. This is especially valid as this unit does not feature a timer function. It does, however, have an auto shut-off, so you won’t have to worry about leaving it on in your absence and having the water level running too low.
Other features include a whisper-quiet operation, making it suitable for use in any room of your house, as well as a built-in aroma diffuser for use with essential oils. Combined with its seven-colour-changing night light, this humidifier is also perfect for creating a calm ambience in which you can unwind and destress.
On the downside, the provided instructions are not very clear. What’s more, as it’s difficult to get your hand right inside to the bottom of the tank, it can be a little tricky to clean it out thoroughly. However, on the whole, this is a good-sized humidifier that is suitable for the majority of homes where you need to keep the humidity level boosted over long periods.
Pros:
- 2.8-litre capacity
- Auto shut-off
- Seven-colour LED night light
- Whisper-quiet operation
- Built-in aroma diffuser
Cons:
- No timer
- Instructions are not very clear
- Difficult to wipe out the inside
4. Pro Breeze Premium (Best Emission Control)
If you are looking for the very best ultrasonic humidifier, take a look at this premium model by Pro Breeze.
Its sleek lines and modern styling make it a great choice to seamlessly blend into any modern decor. With its large 3.5-litre water tank capacity, it can run for long periods of time and is suitable for larger, open-plan rooms. Thanks to its fully adjustable mist control dial, you can select the exact amount of moisture released to suit your needs. The tank is detachable and very easy to clean. However, as you need to turn it upside down to fill, be prepared to experience some dripping water while filling and replacing it.
Aside from the lack of an in-built timer, this unit has all of the features that you would expect and need from a high-quality humidifier, including an essential oil tray, an auto shut-off function, and an optimised ion exchange filter. You may or may not find the light function useful; however, if you are looking for a humidifier for your bedroom, be aware that the light cannot be turned off and the glow may keep you awake at night.
All in all, this premium humidifier is a high-quality model that has been designed to complement any modern decor. With its stylish, minimalist looks and high capacity, it would make a great choice for use in your lounge or any large room where the humidity level is too low.
Pros:
- 3.5-litre capacity
- Ion-exchange filter
- Essential oil tray
- Fully adjustable mist control
- Auto shut-off
Cons:
- No timer
- Permanently lit
- Drips during refilling
5. Levoit LV600HH Diffuser (Digital Choice)
If you are looking for an ultrasonic warm and cool mist humidifier, then take a look at this futuristic-looking Levoit LV600HH diffuser. Able to cover rooms up to 70 m², you can be sure that this humidifier will easily manage large, open-plan homes. Its whisper-quiet operation is perfect for overnight use and for light sleepers, too.
For rapid humidification, use the warm mist setting. This will also ensure that the water is heated to kill off any bacteria present. It’s ideal if you or anyone in your family is particularly susceptible to infection or illness.
Thanks to its dual 360-degree rotating nozzles, you can direct the mist away from your furnishings and walls. Additionally, this model has a large six-litre capacity and can generate an impressive maximum mist output of 500ml per hour – with up to 36 hours of runtime!
Also, this ultrasonic humidifier has a smart auto mode for convenience. You can simply select your desired humidity level and leave the machine to regulate itself for optimum comfort. If you often struggle to unwind, the built-in essential oil aroma box helps to create the perfect environment for relaxation.
Complete with an LED display, remote control, and touch buttons – this unit is easy to use. However, the manual could do with an update. The screen can be turned off at night, too. But, the remote needs to be used within a few metres of the unit to work correctly. We also would have liked the tank to be a little less tricky to refill, though it becomes much easier with practice.
All in all, if you are looking for a smart humidifier that looks as good as it works, we think this model makes an excellent all-around choice.
Pros:
- Large six-litre capacity
- Three-level warm and cool mist output
- Smart auto mode
- LED screen with touch buttons
- Essential oil aroma box
Cons:
- Short-range remote control
- Unclear manual
- Tricky to refill
6. Elechomes SH8820 (Best for Large Spaces)
The Elechomes SH8820 Ultrasonic makes an excellent choice for anyone seeking to add humidity to larger-sized rooms. It also has versatile mist modes and advanced functions, enhancing your control over the air quality in a room.
This humidifier comes equipped with a 5.5-litre top-fill detachable tank. It is designed for use in rooms as large as 70 metres squared. It features three mist strengths and the ability to produce either cool or warm mist, to enhance functionality.
The Elechomes humidifier features two rotating steam nozzles that can exude mist for up to 55 hours on cool mist mode and up to 40 hours on warm mist mode. It is recommended that you use the warm mist mode to kill bacteria in the air and the cool mist mode to keep skin and sinuses hydrated in warmer months of the year.
With this humidifier, you also get a quiet sleep mode that turns off the screen, a timer, remote control, and automatic shutoff functions. A convenient carry handle and a diffuser compartment are also built into the machine.
Unfortunately, this option has a less effective aroma diffuser and has harder-to-clean crevices. Additionally, the humidity sensors may fluctuate somewhat, making them less reliable.
Pros:
- Two rotating steam nozzles
- Large top-fill 5.5L tank
- Cool and warm mist modes
- Child lock and auto-shutoff function
- Remote control operation
- Aroma diffuser may be less effective
- It may be trickier to clean
- Sensors may be unreliable
7. PureMate Ultrasonic (Best with Filter)
If you are looking for a high-capacity humidifier, then make sure you take a look at this model by PureMate.
Its stylish cube design features a generous 5-litre reservoir that can last for up to 20 hours of continuous use, saving you the inconvenience of frequent refillings. This makes this model a good choice if your home has large rooms with very low humidity levels. The second main advantage of this popular humidifier is that it can produce both warm and cool mist, making it a warm and cool mist humidifier in one, saving you space and money.
Featuring an essential oil tray, you can use the PureMate to diffuse aromatherapy oils to promote relaxation and well-being. Therefore, if you are looking for a humidifier for your bedroom, this ultra-quiet model makes an excellent choice. It also features a Night mode, to ensure that it will not wake you or emit any light, ideal for your bedside cabinet. You can adjust the mist flow rate and this unit also has a long-life filter and air ioniser for healthier, cleaner air.
Unfortunately, this model does not feature a timer, so it is less suited to homes that only require a slight boost to their humidity levels. It is also fairly bulky and rather heavy when full, but that is to be expected with its extra-large capacity.
On the whole, this is a stylish, well-made humidifier that really stands out with its warm and cool mist settings and long-life filter. If you are looking for a discreet, high capacity model then we think this makes a great choice.
Pros:
- 5-litre reservoir
- Warm and cool mist settings
- Essential oil tray
- Built-in air filter and ioniser
- Night mode
Cons:
- Large footprint
- No timer
- Heavy
8. 1 By One Cool Mist (Best Personal Use)
This cool mist humidifier from 1 By One is a good choice if you are looking for a model to use throughout the night in your bedroom.
Thanks to its large 1.3-litre water reservoir, it can run for up to eight hours. It also has an aroma diffuser, so you can add essential oils to aid relaxation or to help to ease cold and flu symptoms. One of the main benefits of opting for this model is its ceramic air filter which also functions as an air ioniser, for optimised air filtration that helps to reduce pollution and allergen particles in your home – an excellent addition if you suffer from allergies,
With its attractive seven-colour changing light function, you can use this humidifier by your bedside or show it off in your lounge. Cycling through different colours provides a calming backdrop, especially when used in conjunction with aromatherapy oils. The fully adjustable mist dial allows you to adapt the vapour settings to your needs and your home’s changing humidity level.
In short, this model has all the functions that you need, except for a timer, which is the only major drawback. It can be a little tricky to clean thoroughly and it tends to drip when emptying and refilling. However, overall, this humidifier is an extremely good value for money and with its fully adjustable mist dial and large capacity, it is incredibly easy to use and set up.
Pros:
- 1.3-litre water tank
- 7-colour changing light
- Aroma diffuser
- Air ioniser and filter
- Adjustable mist settings
Cons:
- Awkward to clean
- Drips when refilling
- No timer
Humidifier Buying Guide
Which Humidifier is Best Warm or Cool?
While cool mist ultrasonic humidifiers are the most common choice, both warm mist and cool mist models have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Both types will work wonders at reducing troublesome dry air by bringing moisture up to comfortable levels. Which one is best for you depends upon your preferences and where you are planning to use it.
To help you to decide which model is best for your home, here’s a summary of the main benefits of each type of humidifier.
Warm Mist Humidifiers
Warm mist humidifiers will boil the water and then disperse it as a fine warm mist. This has the added advantage of killing off any bacteria that could be present in the water. This feature makes them a little more hygienic than their cool mist counterparts, especially if you don’t sanitise yours as regularly as recommended.
While warm mist humidifiers are recommended for small spaces, they are generally less effective than cool mist ones in larger rooms. They also cost more to run and can be dangerous if you have pets or small children as they can cause burns if knocked or pulled down.
Cool Mist Humidifiers
Cool mist humidifiers release a steady stream of cool mist into the air, often by using ultrasound to ‘shake’ the water into smaller droplets. The mist created is room temperature, so while it isn’t warm, it’s also not a cold mist.
As ultrasonic humidifiers do not heat the water first, they are cheaper to run as they use less electricity. They are also recommended for use in homes with kids or pets as they do not present a risk of burns if they are accidentally knocked over. On the other hand, cool mist humidifiers can cool a room down slightly which may or may not be a desired additional effect.
If you are uncertain which type is best for your needs, you could opt for a model that has both cool and warm mist modes. These hybrid models enable you to select either mode to suit both the room and your individual needs. For example, many people find that running a cool mist humidifier in summer helps to cool down their rooms, while in the winter months, they prefer the soothing sensation of warm mist to ease stuffy noses.
Whichever type of humidifier you choose, both types will combat dry air and increase your humidity levels as effectively as the other. Therefore, your main considerations should relate to safety, room size and personal preference when making your choice.
Which Humidifier is Best for Winter?
When you’re choosing a humidifier to combat dry air in your home during winter, it really comes down to a matter of personal preference.
Having taken into account the benefits of both warm mist and cool mist models, during the winter, you may prefer to opt for a warm mist one. Warm mist humidifiers are slightly more hygienic as they boil the water first, thus killing any potential bacteria and mould. Also, as cool mist models are associated with refreshing, cool air, you may prefer the soothing sensation of warm mist during wintertime. However, with the heating on and your home’s air all dried out, a cool-mist model can also be equally desirable over the winter months.
When making up your mind, you should focus on the main advantages of each model and ensure that it has an adequate capacity for your home and anticipated usage. In short, both types are suitable for use in winter, so make your choice based on your home and the features that will be most useful to you. If you’re planning to use your humidifier at night time, then opt for a whisper-quiet model or one that features a special “sleep” mode. For relaxing winter evenings, select a humidifier with an oil diffuser tray to create a cosy fragrance or choose one with a colour-changing mood light for extra relaxation.
In general, cool mist ultrasonic humidifiers are the most popular type thanks to their low cost, safety around toddlers and better suitability for larger rooms. If you are struggling to decide which type of humidifier to choose for winter and you’ve never tried one before, we recommend opting for one of the cool mist models from our humidifier review selection. All are reasonably priced and offer good value for money, as well as being perfectly suited to use in both winter and summer alike.
How to Humidify a Room for Babies
If you have a baby or are expecting, you’ve probably heard about the advantages of placing a humidifier in their room. With their delicate skin and tiny noses, humidifiers can help your baby to breathe and sleep better as well as prevent their skin from drying out. Eliminating dry air by increasing humidity levels in your child’s room can also help them to recover quicker from lingering colds while helping to keep future respiratory infections at bay.
In order to correctly humidify your baby’s room, you will first need to find a suitable place to locate your humidifier. Note that due to the increased risks associated with babies and toddlers, you should only use an ultrasonic cool mist humidifier in any child’s room. Not only will you need a stable, out-of-reach location, but it will also need to be close to a plug socket and in an area that allows the moist air to spread through the entire room. Do not localise the mist towards your baby or their bedding.
With your ultrasonic cool mist humidifier set up, you will need to fill it up with demineralised water. While you could use normal tap water, using demineralised water ensures that there is no chance of any minerals being dispersed into the air in water droplets which could then irritate your child’s skin or tiny nasal passages.
Always keep an eye on the humidity levels in your baby’s room and adjust your humidifier as necessary. An atmosphere that contains too much moisture is as bad, or even worse, as one that is too dry; so if you see any signs of dampness you should take action immediately. Using a hygrometer is the best way to get an accurate humidity reading of your baby’s room.
It is generally advised to clean out your humidifier every week to stop a build-up of bacteria in the water tank. However, given the sensitivity of young children and babies, we recommend daily cleaning to ensure that your humidifier is 100% sanitised and free from germs.
Conclusion
Picking the best humidifier for your home can be tricky, especially if you have no experience with these kinds of appliances. If you’re still on the fence after reading our humidifier reviews, we recommend opting for our Editor’s Choice – the Levoit Top-Fill 6L.
This device is packed with winning features. Not only does it have a generous six-litre capacity that can easily manage the largest of rooms, but it also offers utmost convenience with its WiFi connectivity and voice control features.
Whisper-quiet and with an outstanding runtime of up to 60 hours, this model is perfect for use overnight. Moreover, the built-in essential oils tray allows you to create a beautifully relaxing atmosphere to unwind. And, the night light can be switched off so as not to disturb your sleep.
Want to set it and forget it? The Levoit Top-Fill humidifier offers an impressive smart auto mode that does the hard work for you. Choose your preferred humidity level and get on with your day in comfort. If you feel like changing the settings, simply use the free VeSync app on your phone to adjust the output. Or, you can try its voice control feature via Alexa and Google Assistant.
With all these features and an attractive, contemporary design, we’re sure you’ll agree that the Levoit Top-Fill is a worthy winner of the title ‘best humidifier in the UK’!
Additional Resources
Kelly is an expert in consumer product research, which is very important when it comes to finding the most useful and aesthetically pleasing items for your home. This became her passion after finding it very time-consuming to wade through all the product information online.
She has a keen attention to detail which she brings to her articles, Kelly’s goal is to help you find what you need without spending too much time searching for it.