High humidity levels can lead to a myriad of issues like musty odors, condensation collecting on your windows, and even structural damage to your home. Bathrooms and basements can be dank and lacking ventilation, but a dehumidifier can help you combat mold and mildew.
These portable appliances draw in moist air, cool it down into water droplets, and trap the resulting condensation in a manual or self-emptying water reservoir. Dry air is then expelled back into the room. Not only can a dehumidifier reduce humidity in a space, but it can also help maintain a consistent indoor temperature.
Much like humidifiers, dehumidifiers can come with a variety of features like adjustable humidity settings, automatic shut-off, and energy-efficient operation. We tried out several popular models from brands like Honeywell, Costway and GE, to help you find the best models to protect your home from mold growth, along with our tips and tricks to keep in mind while you shop.
Best Dehumidifiers
- Best Overall: Homelabs 22-Pint Dehumidifier
- Best Value: Costway Dehumidifier for Large Room & Basements
- Easiest to Use: Honeywell 30-Pint Dehumidifier
- Best Smart: Honeywell Smart 30-Pint Dehumidifier
- Best Compact: Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier
What to Consider
How We Tested
In making our final selections for this list, we tested out multiple models on our own spaces. We evaluated the dehumidifiers we tried—and those we haven’t gotten our hands on yet—based on overall effectiveness, versatility of options and settings, and ease of use within a home setting. We also researched expert and consumer reviews for the options we haven’t tested ourselves to get a well-rounded understanding of how other units work in real-world situations.
Pros
- 1-24 hour timer
- Auto-defrost feature
- Wifi connectivity
- Continuous drain
Cons
- Hose not included
Key Specs
| Capacity | 22 pints |
|---|---|
| Drainage | Pump or 1 gallon tank |
| Dimensions | 20 x 15 × 10 in. |
| Weight | 30.5 lbs. |
| Coverage | 1500 sq. ft. |
Stated to remove 22 pints of water per day (or 30 pints according to 2012 DOE standards), this Homelabs dehumidifier is a versatile option for medium to larger rooms, designed for spaces up to 1,500 square feet.
It features a continuous drain option (though the hose isn’t included, so count on the extra expense) and a built-in pump compressor, along with auto-shut off when the tank is full and turbo mode for maximum moisture removal. This dehumidifier is also Energy Star-rated, so it meets the EPA’s standard for energy efficiency.
This device has Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can monitor and manage your climate no matter what room you’re in. It also comes with an auto-defrost feature and a filter quality light that alerts you when it is time to clean it.
Costway Dehumidifier for Large Room & Basements
Pros
- Portable size
- Color-coded humidity indicator
- Adjustable fan speed
- Drain hose is included
Cons
- Rumbles a bit on the highest setting
Key Specs
| Capacity | 24 pints |
|---|---|
| Drainage | Continuous drain or 0.5 gallon tank |
| Dimensions | 8.5 x 10 x 19 in. |
| Weight | 23 lbs. |
| Coverage | 1500 sq. ft. |
With 24-pint daily removal capability and an auto defrost feature, this dehumidifier from Costway offers efficiency and all-weather performance at an affordable price point.
There are a variety of modes to choose from like auto, dry mode, and sleeping mode. If you need to run the dehumidifier throughout the night, it’ll operate on a quieter setting so you won’t be disturbed. You can adjust the fan speed between high and low, and the 12-hour timer function means you can set the unit to turn off while you’re away from home.
The first thing we noticed when testing out this device was its relatively compact size. It was small enough to fit discreetly in the corner of the living room, plus easy to set up, turn on and forget about it. Operation was also relatively quiet.
The feature that stands out the most with this dehumidifier is the light indicator on the front. Each color represents a humidity range, so you can get a general sense of the humidity in the room with just a glance.
Pros
- Oversized handle
- Spill-proof water tank
- Washable filter
- Cord organizer
Cons
- Doesn't come with a pump
Key Specs
| Capacity | 30 pints |
|---|---|
| Drainage | Continuous |
| Dimensions | 10.5 x 13.2 x 20.1 in. |
| Weight | 34 lbs |
| Coverage | 3000 sq. ft. |
This Honeywell model is an excellent option if you want to be able to set your optimal humidity level and have the machine automatically adjust its setting to maintain it. It has smart digital controls, as well as alerts for a full tank and when the washable filter needs cleaning. The wheels and heavy-duty top handle allow you to move it fairly easily, and the dehumidifier can be used in a variety of room types like pantries, laundry rooms, and gyms.
The unit is rated to remove 30 pints of moisture from 3,000-square-foot rooms every 24 hours and is Energy Star-certified.
Pros
- Wi-Fi-enabled
- Cord winder and handle for easy transport
- Comed with a washable dust filter
Cons
- Lacks a pump
Key Specs
| Capacity | 30 pints |
|---|---|
| Drainage | Continuous drain or 0.8-gallon tank |
| Dimensions | 20 x 13 x 10 in. |
| Weight | 30 lbs. |
| Coverage | 3000 sq. ft. |
This dehumidifier is another reliable choice from Honeywell, equipped with smart features for those who want to connect their appliances to Wi-Fi and control them via app or Amazon Alexa.
It’s designed for spaces up to 3,000 square feet and removes up to 30 pints of moisture from the air in a 24-hour period. While it doesn’t have a pump, it does offer continuous drainage, and alerts you when the tank is full or the filter needs cleaning (plus the filter is washable, which is a bonus). If you aren’t home, you can use the app to change things like fan speed and humidity settings.
Pros
- Small size fits anywhere
- Red indicator light when full
- Affordable
- Decent tank capacity for a miniature model
Cons
- No continuous drainage option
Key Specs
| Capacity | 1500 ml |
|---|---|
| Drainage | 52 oz. tank |
| Dimensions | 6.2 x 8.6 x 11.8 in. |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs. |
| Coverage | 250 sq. ft. |
Designed for much smaller spaces, this dehumidifier from Pro Breeze is perfect to keep individual rooms temperate. What stood out to us the most when using the unit was its simple operation and pared-down features.
It doesn’t have a continuous drainage option, though with its size, it’s relatively easy to empty it out. When the 52-ounce tank is full, there’s an alert light that flashes and it automatically shuts off.
We personally used it in a bathroom to help towels dry during the more humid months over the summer, when they tend to feel like perpetually damp rags between showers.
GE Energy Star Portable Dehumidifier
Pros
- Humidity sensor adjust power
- Efficient moisture capture
- Ample coverage
- Drain hose can reach up to 16 feet
Cons
- Device is loud on highest setting
Key Specs
| Capacity | 50 pints |
|---|---|
| Drainage | Continuous or 14 pint tank |
| Dimensions | 10.5 x 14.9 x 24.2 in. |
| Weight | 43 lbs. |
| Coverage | 4500 sq. ft. |
This smart and energy-efficient option from GE and has enough power for larger spaces but won’t give your energy bill a punch in the teeth.
When using this dehumidifier, we were surprised at the amount of moisture captured within a short period of time. Rated for 50 pints per day, this dehumidifier is capable of reducing humidity quickly—and without making a disturbing amount of noise.
It offers multiple speed settings based and a smart dry option, which automatically detects the humidity in the room and actively adjusts the fan speed based on it. The unit also has an LED display that shows the humidity percentage in the room, plus aut0-defrost, a timer and even a light indicator for when it’s time to clean the filter.
Pros
- One-button control
- 5-foot power cord
- Automatic shutoff
Cons
- Not useful for large spaces
- Relatively limited capacity
Key Specs
| Capacity | 2.5 pints |
|---|---|
| Drainage | Automatic or 64 oz. tank |
| Dimensions | 7.8 x 5.3 x 14 in. |
| Weight | 1 lb. |
| Coverage | 800 sq. ft. |
While this dehumidifier isn’t practical for spaces larger than a couple hundred square feet, it’s a great choice for very small spaces, like bathrooms, RVs, or basement offices.
Its nearly five feet of hose allows continuous drainage—perfect for bathrooms with a sink or shower drain at the ready—and the 64-ounce water tank is easy to detach when it’s time to clean or empty out. If you plan on using the tank, this device illuminates the water red to alert you and automatically shuts off.
Amber is the Digital Content Producer for Popular Mechanics, Runner's World and Bicycling, where she covers a range of tasks for the commerce team. She also writes fashion and beauty content for Best Products. Her work has been featured across all of the Enthusiast Group sites. In her free time you can likely find her watching horror movies, reading a good thriller book, or listening to a comedy podcast.
Tom Price is an Associate Editor of Reviews for Popular Mechanics, and also contributes to Runner's World, and Bicycling. He has previously covered product reviews, startup news, and even professional wrestling. In his free time, he enjoys watching pretentious TV, low-brow movies, and exercising for beauty, not health. If you are interested in exploring more of his work, check out his website.
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.
