The 5 Best Dehumidifiers of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

Tested by Theresa Holland

Many people plug in humidifiers to add moisture to the air during the cold, dry winter months. During the summer and in warm, tropical climates, a dehumidifier can do the opposite job: remove excess moisture from the air.

In either case, the purpose is to maintain ideal indoor humidity levels (typically between 35 percent and 55 percent). Too much moisture in the air can create an environment prone to mold and mildew growth while contributing to musty smells, a damp, sweaty feeling and overall discomfort.

Enclosed or below-ground areas with faucets and hot running water tend to have the highest humidity levels in a home — think bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements — as well as garages without climate control.

So, what are the best dehumidifiers? To find out, we tested 17 models firsthand in a real home, running them for more than 200 hours total. Keep reading to learn how we tested and which ones we think are worth buying.

How We Tested

After unboxing each dehumidifier, inspecting for visible flaws, attaching any necessary parts and reading over the user guide, we performed the following tests:

Performance and Moisture Removal Test: We ran each dehumidifier in a laundry room or bathroom for 12 or more hours on the "comfort" or automatic-adjustment mode. We checked whether the units matched the reading of a separate hygrometer and whether the room's humidity decreased over time. We also noted how much water was collected in the reservoirs at the end.

Humidity Settings and Modes Test: We ran the dehumidifiers on each available mode and fan speed to confirm that the settings work and to test the adjustability.

Controls and Safety Features Test: We tested all controls for each unit. Most had on-unit buttons and small LED displays, but a few smart models also had mobile apps and voice commands. We also noted any safety features, such as auto-shutoff when the water tank is full or a child-safety lock.

Noise Level Test: Using a decibel (dB) meter, we recorded the decibels of each dehumidifier while it was running. Considering that the average noise level in a room is 30 to 35 decibels, we assessed which options were disruptively loud versus having more of a soft hum that makes pleasant background noise.

Tank Capacity and Drainage Test: We considered the water capacity of each unit, how often it might need to be emptied while running daily, and what emptying required — usually just pulling out the tank and dumping it out. (We didn't test the continuous drainage function on the units, as the testing location was on the second story of a home, in rooms without a floor drain.)

What to Consider When Buying a Dehumidifier

Water Capacity vs. Tank Size: Dehumidifiers often list the water capacity (typically in pints) and tank size. The water capacity tells you the total amount of moisture the unit can draw out from the air every 24 hours. The tank size is simply the size of the water-collection tank, often listed in liters or gallons.

Coverage Area: The dehumidifier's coverage area tells you the maximum room size the unit can work in. It might be listed in square footage or cubic footage — the latter is the volume of a room rather than just floor dimensions.

Drainage Type: Most dehumidifiers have removable tanks you can detach and empty as needed. Some also have a continuous drainage option that uses a built-in pump system and a hose to expel collected water.

Noise Level: If your dehumidifier will be turned on throughout most of the day, don't overlook the noise level. Roughly 65 decibels or lower is ideal in terms of being nondisruptive and not distractingly noisy.

Features: Pay attention to the features, noting which will be useful for your needs and which you may not use. A dehumidifier may come with smart controls (sometimes with an accompanying app), intelligent humidity sensing, wheels for portability, carrying handles, automatic shutoff, full-tank alerts, safety features or a rotating fan.

Energy Efficiency: If you want to cut down on your electric bill or prioritize eco-friendly appliances, look for a dehumidifier with an Energy Star certification. This tells you the model meets strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Certified models use about 20 percent less energy than standard, noncertified dehumidifiers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a dehumidifier?

You may need to get a dehumidifier if your home's relative indoor humidity levels frequently get above 60 percent. Your thermostat might show the humidity level, but you can also check with an affordable hygrometer.

What size dehumidifier should I buy?

The right dehumidifier size depends on the square footage of the room you're placing it in and how high your current humidity levels are. Larger spaces with high humidity levels, such as a basement with 70 percent humidity, might call for larger dehumidifiers with bigger capacities (for instance, an 80-pint dehumidifier with a 3,000-square-foot coverage area).

What humidity level should a home be?

The ideal humidity level for a home is generally between 35 percent and 55 percent. Some sources say it can comfortably and safely go as low as 30 percent or as high as 60 percent.

Can a dehumidifier run continuously?

A dehumidifier can run continuously. But once the ideal humidity level is reached in your indoor space, you may want it to automatically stop running and then turn back on when the levels start to creep back up. This will help you avoid indoor air that's too dry while keeping your energy usage lower.

Do I need a dehumidifier model with a pump?

Not necessarily. Most dehumidifiers have built-in, removable water tanks you can empty as needed when they fill with water. Options with pumps can be good for basements and other below-grade spaces without a nearby drain. In that case, the pump would route the collected water upward to a utility sink or out a window through a hose.

Do dehumidifiers help prevent mold?

A dehumidifier can help prevent mold growth inside your home. Mold needs a moist environment to survive and multiply, so removing excess moisture from the air can help stop this from happening.

Can I use a dehumidifier in a basement year-round?

Yes, lots of people use dehumidifiers in their basements year-round. But generally speaking, you only need to have one running if the space's humidity levels get higher than about 60 percent.

Other Dehumidifiers We Tested

The Ivation 13-Pint Small-Area Dehumidifier doesn't have wheels, but the compact design and handle make it easy to move around. We like how the "swinging" fan moves air throughout the room, while the vent releases warm air from the top. However, it doesn't show the room's current humidity level on its LED display, and we thought the price was a bit high for the small size.

With a 51.7-decibel reading, the Costway 32-Pint High-Efficiency Dehumidifier was among the quietest we tested, and it makes a pleasant humming noise. We like the attractive, modern design and that it's compact yet still big enough to manage humidity for a large room. While it did seem to bring the humidity levels down over time, the hydrometer reading wasn't the same as what was displayed on the unit.

We found the Black+Decker 50-Pint Dehumidifier With Pump to be slightly more aesthetic than others. We appreciate the brand's suggestion to place it in a laundry room to help clothes air-dry faster, though it doesn't have an actual laundry-drying mode. This model was on the louder side, and it has finicky setup instructions, including having it sit upright for at least 30 minutes before turning it on.

Why You Should Trust Our Tester

Theresa Holland is a freelance shopping writer and product tester specializing in consumer tech, small appliances, home decor, household linens and lifestyle. She has substantial experience with hands-on testing and a keen understanding of what to look for when buying dehumidifiers and other plug-in devices. For HGTV.com, Theresa has covered the best cooling fans, essential oil diffusers, canister vacuums and automatic drip coffeemakers.

Why You Should Trust HGTV Shopping Experts

HGTV Shopping Experts believe the best method for testing products is based on how our fans are going to use them in the real world. In each of our Tested and Reviewed stories, products are not tested in sterile laboratory settings that don't mimic real life. Instead, we test products in real homes that reflect our readers' real lives, which can also include pets, kids, partners and more. We follow rigorous testing rubrics designed by our expert editors and take copious notes during the testing process. When choosing our top picks, we evaluate all of our testing data and take into consideration many factors, including ease of use, price, product availability and practicality. Our goal is to choose the best products for our readers.