The 6 Best Humidifiers for Plants, According to Testing

Best Overall

Levoit OasisMist Smart Humidifier

The free app includes special features designed to enhance plant health and user convenience.

The free app includes special features designed to enhance plant health and user convenience.

Consider wiping the interior with a dry cloth between sessions to avoid bacteria buildup.

Consider wiping the interior with a dry cloth between sessions to avoid bacteria buildup.

After extensive testing, we recommend the Levoit OasisMist as the best humidifier for plant enthusiasts. This model offers a plethora of special features that align to create optimal conditions for houseplants.

With the free smartphone app, you can easily control the mist temperature, set a schedule, and monitor humidity levels. The VeSync app also includes features designed specifically for plant lovers with tools like plant species identification, watering schedules, fertilizing schedules, and care reminders.

The machine’s capacity and output make it an ideal option for those who want to set and forget their humidifiers, rather than constantly refill the reservoir. Measuring in at 4.5 liters, the Levoit OasisMist has just the right capacity to get the job done.

“You do not want to be refilling your machine several times a day, so any machine that holds a gallon or more of water in the reservoir tank is best,” Satch says. “The larger the room, the more humidifiers you will need.”

Unsurprisingly, this humidifier performed best when using the highest setting. We were impressed with its ability to efficiently increase the moisture levels of a large room, making it ideal for anyone with multiple plants covering a greater surface area.

The only drawback we noticed during testing was the model’s affinity for picking up bacteria. This is something to keep in mind when determining your cleaning schedule, but it was not a major issue. To prevent any film or buildup, consider wiping down the machine and its parts between each use.

Overall, we identified the Levoit OasisMist as the best humidifier for plants due to its effectiveness, ease of use, high-tech special features, and reasonable price point.

WE SWABBED THE INNER CREVICES OF THIS MACHINE BEFORE CLEANING IT TO TEST HOW MUCH BACTERIA IT HELD AFTER USE. BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

Key Terms to Know

Ultrasonic Humidifier: A type of humidifier that uses rapid vibrations to turn water droplets into a fine mist and raise humidity levels. These vibrations create a sound outside the range of human hearing, which is why they are called ultrasonic.
Evaporative Humidifier: A type of humidifier that relies on a filter and a fan to evaporate water and release moisture into the air. This occurs when the filter absorbs water from a reservoir and a fan blows air through the moistened filter.
Hygrometer: A tool designed to measure the humidity level or moisture in the air. Our testers used these instruments to determine the effectiveness of each humidifier.

Best Budget

Vicks 3-in-1 SleepyTime Humidifier

This small humidifier quickly increased humidity levels during our tests, even faster than some of our larger humidifiers.

This small humidifier quickly increased humidity levels during our tests, even faster than some of our larger humidifiers.

While powerful and great for small or medium spaces, this might not be the best option for a larger area.

While powerful and great for small or medium spaces, this might not be the best option for a larger area.

We typically recommend that plant humidifiers include a capacity of at least 1 gallon. However, for those seeking a more budget-friendly option, this Vicks humidifier is an exception to this rule.

While it only offers 0.6 gallons of water capacity, the Vicks Sleepy Time Humidifier packs a punch. We noticed an increase in humidity levels almost immediately after switching it on, and it drastically outperformed other humidifiers of this size.

Over three days on the lowest setting, it increased the moisture in our 187-square-foot room by about 15 percent. On its high setting, the humidifier increased the humidity in our room by almost 56 percent.

Plus, this 8-cup humidifier lost about 1.5 to 2 cups of water every eight hours when running on low, so we only had to refill it once per day when running constantly. When running on high, we needed to refill it every eight hours.

The humidifier was very easy to set up. We just needed to remove the plastic wrapping, fill the tank, and turn it on. We noted that it’s a bit hard to see the water level when filling, so you have to be careful not to overfill it.

Plus, we liked that the mist nozzle rotates 180 degrees, so you can direct it at the plants that need the most moisture. We observed the mist range to be about 3 feet.

To clean, we placed 2 cups of vinegar in the tank, placed the tank on the base, and then let it soak for 20 minutes. We then rinsed and wiped the tank, which took about five minutes since there were no crevices or hard-to-reach areas.

Based on our tests, this humidifier performs exceptionally well in a smaller space. Its competitive price point, exceptional performance, and ease of use make it an ideal option for those seeking a low-cost humidifier for their plants.

THIS HUMIDIFIER PUTS OUT AN IMPRESSIVE AMOUNT OF MIST FOR ITS SIZE AND IS THE IDEAL CHOICE FOR PUTTING ON A BEDROOM NIGHTSTAND OR TABLE. BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

Best Splurge

Carepod One Humidifier

An anti-mold interior and simple design make this easy to sterilize for cleaner air and enhanced humidity.

An anti-mold interior and simple design make this easy to sterilize for cleaner air and enhanced humidity.

There is no visibility to the tank without lifting the lid, so refill timings are difficult to gauge from the outside.

There is no visibility to the tank without lifting the lid, so refill timings are difficult to gauge from the outside.

The Carepod One humidifier is an excellent option for anyone willing to pay more for greater style and sterilization features. Even if you’re looking for the best humidifier for plants, it’s also important to consider how a humidifier will impact the health of the humans in your space.

The Carepod One was engineered by a doctor to increase a room’s moisture without introducing bacteria and mildew to the air. Its sleek, three-piece design eliminates the need to clean around small parts or crevices, and the stainless steel tank can be boiled to easily prevent mold growth.

In addition to its enhanced sterilization capabilities, the CarePod One offers features that make up for the higher price point. The filter-free design reduces the likelihood of bacteria buildup and eliminates the cost of filter refills over time.

The Carepod One also walks the walk when it comes to effectiveness. In the first five minutes of testing, we noticed a distinct improvement in the room’s humidity levels.

It increased the average humidity by 17 percent on its low setting and by 53 percent on its high setting, with the average in our tests being 12 percent and 37 percent, respectively. While it scored well on overall usability, we do wish it offered an indicator for the internal reservoir levels.

At the end of our tests, we decided this is an excellent option for plant lovers who are willing to pay more for enhanced cleanliness and a simplified design.

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

Best Warm Mist

Dreo Smart Humidifier

We were impressed by this model’s capacity, effectiveness, and humidity-measuring capabilities.

We were impressed by this model’s capacity, effectiveness, and humidity-measuring capabilities.

Warm mist can cause nasal swelling for those with cold or allergy sensitivities.

Warm mist can cause nasal swelling for those with cold or allergy sensitivities.

For those who want a little added luxury for their houseplants, this warm mist humidifier might be the way to go. Warm and cool mist humidifiers both add moisture to the air, but warm mist options tend to be better at reducing bacteria. They may also feel more comfortable when the winter temperatures drop.

If you are seeking a warm mist option for your plants, we recommend the Dreo 713S humidifier. The best humidifiers for plants often allow precise humidity measurements

With the Dreo’s comprehensive algorithm, you can set and measure the humidity of your space at ±5 percent accuracy. And its quick-heating capabilities mean you don’t have to wait for warm mist. The Dreo 713S reaches 133°F in just five minutes.

We were also pleased with how much mist the machine distributed without diminishing its water reservoir. After three hours of use on its highest setting, this model only used 5 cups of water. That left 20 cups of water in the tank for our next use, making it a good option for saving water while refreshing your plants.

It also offers convenient features like Auto Mode and Sleep Mode. With Auto Mode, you can set your target humidity anywhere between 30 and 80 percent, and Sleep Mode is perfect for those who want total darkness at night. It automatically turns off lighting and reduces noise for a more peaceful experience.

If you consider this model, keep in mind that our team did notice it was more difficult to disassemble, so cleaning might be cumbersome. It’s also important to exercise caution when handling parts that could be warm to the touch. We allowed the machine to cool down slightly before manipulating it.

THE 6-LITER WATER TANK HOLDS ENOUGH WATER TO LAST A FULL NIGHT, THOUGH WE FOUND IT LOST ONLY 5 CUPS OF WATER WHEN RUN ON THE HIGH SETTING FOR THREE HOURS. BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON

Best Small

Hey Dewy Wireless Facial Humidifier

The Hey Dewy humidifier is wireless, rechargeable, and one of the best humidifiers for plants in small spaces.

The Hey Dewy humidifier is wireless, rechargeable, and one of the best humidifiers for plants in small spaces.

As a smaller model, this humidifier holds less water.

As a smaller model, this humidifier holds less water.

If you and your plants occupy a smaller space, the Hey Dewy wireless humidifier is a stylish and convenient option. This model is perfect for studio apartments or small rooms like an office.

Measuring 3 inches wide and 7 inches tall, the Hey Dewy is the perfect size for a side table, bookshelf, or desk space. This small device will work best if you can place it within 2 or 3 feet of your plants. Any further and you won’t be able to notice an effect.

Our team loved the engineering and convenience of the Hey Dewy. A light, cordless design makes it easy to maneuver, and the silicone base adds stability on a variety of surfaces. This model can go anywhere it’s needed as long as you are OK with the humidity concentrating in a small space.

Once you move beyond 3 feet, the effects start to deplete. In our tests, humidity levels improved only 4 percent when we measured the moisture levels 10 feet from the machine. However, when we measured the effects at 2 feet, we noticed a 21 percent increase in humidity.

The smaller capacity also means that this ultrasonic model offers an eight-hour battery life and an 11.3-ounce reservoir. If you’re up for refilling it more frequently, you can keep the Hey Dewy running past its eight-hour timeline by charging it while it’s running. We do recommend giving it a break now and then, but otherwise, it is safe to use while it’s connected to the power cord.

WE MEASURED HOW MUCH WATER WAS LEFT AFTER RUNNING EACH HUMIDIFIER, AND THIS HUMIDIFIER USED MOST OF ITS WATER WHEN RUNNING ON ITS CONTINUOUS MIST SETTING. BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

Best for Large Rooms

Lacidoll Cool Mist Ultrasonic Whole House Humidifier

A large water reservoir means this humidifier can go days between refilling.

A large water reservoir means this humidifier can go days between refilling.

This humidifier does not offer an external way to measure the water levels.

This humidifier does not offer an external way to measure the water levels.

The Lacidoll Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier is a workhorse. Even though it was operating in a larger space, the Lacidoll outperformed other humidifiers on our list in terms of humidity level.

With over 4 gallons of capacity, it is the best humidifier for plants in large spaces. We were impressed with how infrequently we had to refill the reservoir. When running on the lowest setting, we sometimes went multiple days without adding more water.

Even with all this power, the model was whisper quiet. It efficiently raised the humidity level without any whirring or dripping. This made both our plants and our housemates very happy.

When it came time to refill, it was a little tricky to tell how much water was in the reservoir unless we opened the tank. Something on the display to indicate the water level would be a helpful feature.

During cleaning, we did not notice any pink mold or limescale build-up. The parts were easy to remove and were accessible for washing and drying. If you choose this humidifier, take special care when cleaning the base, and remember to pour the water away from the fan outlet when emptying. Three parts needed to be cleaned, so the base took a little longer to sanitize than the rest of the machine.

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON