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Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar
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Credit:
Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar
Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.
Learn more about our product testing
High-capacity dehumidifier with stackable tank, fast moisture removal, and low energy use. It runs for days without needing to be emptied. Read More
This energy efficient model has an auto mode, a sleek design, and a low operating temperature. Read More
A strength is its smart connectivity with iOS and Android and compatibility with Amazon and Google Home. It also has a great front reservoir design. Read More
50-pint dehumidifier with child lock, tilt shutoff, and sleep mode, plus Wi-Fi control for safe, quiet humidity management. Read More
The Eva Dry dehumidifier is a petite and portable option that works well in warm, small spaces. Read More
Midea Cube
Hisense DH7021K1W
Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier FGAC5044W1
Dreo 50-Pint Smart Dehumidifier DR-HDH001S
Eva-Dry EDV-1100
Eva-Dry E-333
Other Dehumidifiers We Tested
What You Should Know About The Best Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifier FAQs
How We Test The Best Dehumidifiers
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If you’re here, you probably already know that your home can get uncomfortably damp. Maybe it’s sticky summer air making rooms muggy, or a soggy basement that’s a mining ground for mildew. Either way, a quality dehumidifier can suck excess moisture out of the air, helping prevent mold growth and eliminating that clammy feeling on walls and fabrics.
But as you’ve already guessed, not all dehumidifiers are equal. Our team at Reviewed has spent years testing and updating the most popular models to find the best dehumidifiers, so you don’t waste your money.
We’re currently naming the Midea Cube (available at Amazon) the best overall dehumidifier. It earns this praise for its unparalleled ability to efficiently wring moisture from the air and its huge built-in reservoir.
We have other options that may suit your individual needs better, though. Read on to see which dehumidifier best fits your needs, and what to know when shopping for one in 2026.
Midea Cube’s stackable design delivers huge capacity, fast moisture removal, and days of operation without emptying.
Our Best Value winner, the Hisense is energy efficient at reducing humidity and features a convenient auto mode.
This Frigidaire smart dehumidifier connects to Wi-Fi for remote control through the Frigidaire app, letting you monitor humidity, adjust settings, and receive alerts from anywhere.
The Dreo 50-pint dehumidifier focuses on safety and quiet operation, adding features like child lock, tilt shutoff, and sleep mode for worry-free humidity control.
The Eva-Dry EDV-1100 small dehumidifier is perfect for tackling humidity in bathrooms and other small rooms.
The Eva-Dry 333 is a mini dehumidifier that puts a stop to damp, musty clothes in your closet.
The best dehumidifiers, especially when coupled with an air conditioner or air purifier, can help keep your home cool, dry, and clean, even on the stickiest day. While your individual needs are unique, there are some general things to consider when looking for a dehumidifier.
If you have a larger room that needs occasional dehumidification on humid days, one of the dehumidifiers we tested is likely a better choice. However, they can use a lot of energy.
A desiccant dehumidifier would be more appropriate for smaller spaces that need consistent dehumidification or cold areas. They are not limited by temperature and use less energy, so you can leave them running.
Tank capacity: When finding the best dehumidifiers, a frequently asked question is, “what size do I need?” While you might be tempted to purchase a small dehumidifier, we recommend a large dehumidifier because they have more capacity in emergencies.
Portability: There’s no getting around it—even the best dehumidifiers can be heavy and difficult to move. If you’re moving a dehumidifier from room to room, we recommend looking for one that rolls easily and has well-designed handles. Of course, weight will be a factor, but most of the devices we tested for this roundup, which were all 50-pint capacity, were in the 40-pound range.
Dehumidifiers aren’t completely maintenance-free. A little routine upkeep helps them run efficiently and safely.
The most important task is cleaning the air filter, which traps dust before it reaches the cooling coils. If the filter gets clogged, airflow drops, and the unit has to work harder. Check it about once a month during heavy use—most filters slide out and can be vacuumed or rinsed.
You should also keep the drain system clean. If you use a hose, occasionally flush it with a mild bleach solution to prevent mold or algae buildup. If you rely on the bucket, wash it with mild detergent from time to time to prevent slime or odors. While cleaning the filter, it’s also worth checking the intake area for dust and gently vacuuming any buildup.
If you store your dehumidifier during the off-season, drain and dry it completely first. Leaving water inside can cause mold or corrosion. Store the unit upright in a cool, dry place, and if it was tilted during storage, let it sit upright for a few hours before running it again.
Smart features can add convenience and improve how the unit operates for your needs, but some people may prefer to pay less for basic units without them. It all depends on what you prefer—but don’t write off these features without taking a look:
Wi-Fi/App Control: If you’re an app lover or plan to run the dehumidifier in a remote area (like a basement or vacation home), a Wi-Fi-enabled model can be very useful. You can check the current humidity and receive alerts on your phone. For example, our Frigidaire Gallery pick lets you know if the bucket needs emptying, and you can adjust settings without going downstairs.
** Auto “Comfort” Modes:** Many modern dehumidifiers have an Auto or Comfort mode where they attempt to maintain an optimal humidity (often around 50% RH) without you specifying it. This is great for set-it-and-forget-it usage. The Hisense we recommend has such a mode and uses it to balance efficiency.
Auto Restart: Almost all of our recommended units have auto-restart, meaning if power goes out and comes back on, they resume operation. This is crucial if you leave it running in an unattended basement.
Timers: This allows you to schedule on/off times. For instance, you might set it to run overnight when electricity rates are lower or when nobody will be bothered by the noise.
Filter Clean Alerts: Some models remind you to clean the filter after a certain number of hours of use. It’s a small thing, but helpful for maintenance. A clogged filter can impair performance, so a nudge to check it is nice (usually an indicator light or app notification).
First, the physics: The warmer the air is, the more moisture it holds. That’s why humidity is more noticeable in the summer. During chilly weather, the air holds less moisture and feels drier. Powered dehumidifiers make use of this cooling effect to reduce air humidity.
A powered dehumidifier is like an air conditioner. It has a cooling unit linked to cooling coils. A fan pulls air across these, cooling it down and condensing some of the water it contains. This water drips down into a collection reservoir.
The key difference between a dehumidifier and an air conditioner is that, with dehumidifiers, the air is rewarmed before it is returned to the room. So, moist air goes in, and drier air comes out at about the same temperature as it started.
Compressors and fans aren’t silent, so expect a noise level similar to an AC unit or refrigerator.
Desiccant dehumidifiers trap water from the air using absorbent particles. This process doesn’t need any power, so they’re silent. They stop working once the desiccant is saturated. We recommend renewable desiccant dehumidifiers with a built-in heater to dry out the desiccant for reuse.
Dehumidifiers are rated by how much moisture they can remove from the air in 24 hours. We primarily tested 50-pint models, which are near the upper end of the size range. You'll need a high-capacity model for large spaces or very damp areas.
It’s difficult to match pint capacity exactly to square footage. Dehumidifying needs can also vary throughout the year.
High-performance units take up more space, but we recommend larger models. Large dehumidifiers give you extra capacity to cope with emergencies like leaks or spills that temporarily make your home more humid.
A small dehumidifier could also struggle to keep up with your home's typical humidity levels. An undersized dehumidifier may run almost constantly to maintain the ideal humidity. Constant running stresses compressors and fans and will shorten the product's life.
If you routinely move the units between rooms, particularly between floors, you could opt for several small-capacity dehumidifiers. A 20-pint unit would work well for most small rooms.
If you’re dealing with a small space, like a closet, small bathroom, or RV, a Peltier-cooled small dehumidifier is a good option. A desiccant mini dehumidifier is perfect in minimal spaces, like a closet.
All powered dehumidifiers can run in a stand-alone mode where all the water is collected in the reservoir. This means regularly carrying the reservoir to the nearest drain or sink and pouring it out.
Note how easy it is to empty the tank by hand before purchasing; if it’s relatively difficult and you need to run your dehumidifier this way, you’ll be limited in how often you can run it, and it defeats the entire purpose of owning one.
Most compressor-cooled models also include a drain opening that can connect to a hose. When the reservoir is full, any extra water collected runs down the hose. This avoids the hassle of reservoir emptying. It’s only possible if you have a floor drain or a place for the hose to discharge.
Models with a pump are the most versatile. The pump gives flexible emptying options as it moves the water to a drain point above the dehumidifier.
For example, it can drain into a bathroom sink, out a window, or into your washing machine drain stack. This saves on reservoir carrying and gives you more placement options, but adds significantly to the cost.
Most desiccant dehumidifiers don’t need to be emptied. Single-use types are discarded once they’re full, and renewable models are dried out to remove the trapped moisture.
We fire up a dehumidifier in two main situations: in cool, damp basements or during sticky summer months to cope with warm, water-saturated air.
Because humidity is removed by cooling the air, dehumidifiers work best when the air is warm. All the dehumidifiers we tested have minimum operating temperatures of around 40°F. This means they’ll work just fine in most basements. If you have an unconditioned space that gets colder than 40°F, compressor-based dehumidifiers won’t work for you.
Desiccant dehumidifiers are the best choice for cold areas as they’re not temperature-limited.
Pull out the filter on your dehumidifier and vacuum or rinse it off every few weeks.
For effective cooling and humidity removal, the heat exchanger needs to be clean. If it gets dusty, it won’t cool the air effectively to reduce the humidity.
Dehumidifiers have filters to trap dirt before it hits the cooling coils. Over time, these filters get clogged and restrict airflow. Some can be vacuumed clean, and others are washable. Pull out the filter and vacuum or rinse it off every few weeks.
Dust can also get past the filter onto the cooling coils. To remove this, gently run a vacuum nozzle over the coils when you clean the filter.
The damp reservoir can also be a home for mold or bacteria. A gentle wash with dish detergent will remove it.
If your dehumidifier is out of sight in the basement, it’s easy to forget about maintenance. Put a reminder on your calendar for a regular check-up.
If you take these simple steps and keep the dehumidifier clean, it will run more efficiently and last longer.
For most, a range of 68°F to 70°F, and a relative humidity of 30% to 50% is considered comfortable. Some dehumidifiers have a comfort setting that automatically keeps humidity in this range.
Even if you do have air conditioning, if your living space is damp and humid, you’ll likely need a dehumidifier.
An AC system, whether it’s a whole-house system, window air conditioner, or portable air conditioner, will remove some humidity.
Air conditioners have a drain or reservoir to remove or collect condensed water. So, if you have air conditioning, it might reduce your need for a dehumidifier. However, drying your air isn’t the main function of an AC unit.
Running costs vary widely depending on the humidity of your dehumidifier. Our tests challenged the units with a very high-humidity environment and ran them at their maximum fan settings. This should give a top-end estimate for energy use.
Energy efficiency ratings are based on how much water a dehumidifier removes using 1 kWh of electricity. The most efficient portable dehumidifiers remove close to 2 liters of water per kWh.
Any dehumidifier with a score above 1.8 qualifies for an Energy Star rating. All the dehumidifiers we tested are Energy Star products. An Energy Star dehumidifier running 24/7 could use about 300 kWh per month; this compares to 30 to 50 kWh per month for a refrigerator.
Dehumidifiers can use a lot of energy and significantly raise your electricity bill. Remember, though, it’s unlikely that you’ll be running your dehumidifier continuously at full capacity. Once the humidity is comfortable, the unit will only turn on when needed.
Remember that a compressor dehumidifier essentially blows out warm air. It’s taking heat from the compression process and from the room and returning it as a bit of sensible heat. Our testers note that running a dehumidifier will usually raise the room temperature by a couple of degrees. It’s not as dramatic as a space heater, but you might feel the room air being a tad warmer and drier.
If room heat is a big concern, you could consider a desiccant dehumidifier, which typically adds less heat to the room.
As for noise levels, dehumidifiers make noise from two sources: the compressor hum and the fan blowing air. On high fan settings, many 50-pint units measure around 50-55 decibels, which is about the noise of a refrigerator or a conversation at home. This is noticeable but not usually overwhelming. When placed in a basement or laundry area, it’s usually fine. In a bedroom or quiet office, it could be an annoyance. If noise is a concern for you, one of our picks, the Dreo, has a Sleep mode that goes as low as 40 dB by reducing fan speed.
Yes. Most dehumidifiers are designed to run continuously and will cycle on and off automatically to maintain your set humidity level.
Running one 24/7 is common in damp spaces like basements. Just make sure the filter is cleaned regularly and that you have a reliable drainage setup, either frequent bucket emptying or a hose connection.
For safety, keep the unit in a well-ventilated area and don’t cover or enclose it while running. If you’re using it in a cold environment, occasionally check for frost buildup—though most modern units have auto-defrost.
Most residential dehumidifiers last around three to five years with regular use. Some may last longer—up to eight or ten years—especially if they’re used seasonally and well maintained.
The most common failure points are the compressor, refrigerant system, fan motor, or electronic controls. Heavy use, high temperatures, and dirty filters can shorten the lifespan.
You can extend the life of a dehumidifier by keeping the filter clean, running it within its recommended temperature range, and storing it properly when not in use. If performance drops—such as running constantly but collecting little water—it may be a sign the unit is nearing the end of its life.
It can be, depending on the age and performance of your current unit.
Newer dehumidifiers are typically 10–20% more energy-efficient and often remove moisture faster. Many also add convenience features like digital controls, auto modes, improved defrost systems, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
If your current unit struggles to keep humidity down, runs constantly, or is more than five years old, upgrading may improve efficiency and reliability. A new model also comes with a fresh warranty and updated safety features.
However, if your existing dehumidifier still works well and keeps your space comfortable, there’s no urgent need to replace it.
Each dehumidifier ran for two hours at its highest fan setting and set to continuous running mode. After, we measured to see how much water it had collected.
Living in the damp New England climate, our tester, Dave Ellerby, has years of real-life experience using dehumidifiers at home. He uses a portable dehumidifier in his damp basement, which is powered up all year round. In the summer, upstairs living spaces can feel damp too, so he has lugged a dehumidifier up two flights of stairs more than once—he cares about how portable they are!
As the chief scientist at Reviewed, Ellerby oversees our lab testing and develops the product testing protocols, so he understands the ins and outs of dehumidifiers. To find the best dehumidifiers, we created the most humid conditions possible to challenge each one. We measured how well they remove humidity, ease of use, and power consumption.
We tested dehumidifiers in a temperature and humidity-controlled environmental chamber in our lab in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This 200-square-foot room has its own HVAC and humidifier system, allowing us to control the test conditions precisely.
The room humidifier was set to create a disgustingly humid environment, saturating the room air with water vapor. We placed data loggers to record humidity and temperature around the room. Once we’d hit our peak humidity target of 80% relative humidity, we switched on the test dehumidifier.
We must start with high humidity levels to challenge each dehumidifier. Using tough conditions lets us test each model's maximum performance.
Each dehumidifier ran for two hours at its highest fan setting and set to continuous running mode. If that wasn’t available, we set the humidistat to the lowest possible relative humidity level.
We used our humidity data to calculate how quickly each dehumidifier reduced the humidity in the room. The collecting reservoir was weighed carefully before and after each test to give us an exact measure of water removal.
We also monitored power use. All the dehumidifiers tested are Energy Star rated, but our harsh tests told us the maximum power consumption under the worst possible conditions. Combining the power and water removal data lets us calculate how efficiently each dehumidifier turns electricity into dehumidifying performance.
Testing dehumidifiers in our testing labs is more than just pushing buttons—although it's a start!
The performance numbers are important, but a fast-drying dehumidifier isn’t much use if it’s impossible.
We assessed the best dehumidifiers based on how easy it was to use the controls. If you need to break out the manual to switch it on, that’s a bad sign. For smart models with app controls, we also check how challenging it is to connect to the dehumidifier and assess how well the app performs for Android and iPhone versions. A good app should provide useful control options and performance data without intruding on your data privacy.
A portable dehumidifier should also live up to its name and be easy to move! Poorly designed carrying handles made lifting some of the products we tested almost impossible.
The water condensed out of the air collects in a reservoir at the bottom of the dehumidifier. Most models we tested didn’t have a built-in pump to remove the water automatically. Unless you have a floor drain, no pump means emptying the water reservoir yourself.
A significant part of our usability testing was having an easy-to-remove, carry, and empty reservoir. The best designs had reservoirs that were easy to remove, comfortable carrying handles, and poured out the water without spilling a drop. Spilled water means wasted time and energy.
Dr. Dave Ellerby
Chief Scientist
Dave Ellerby has a Ph.D. from the University of Leeds and a B.Sc. from the University of Manchester. He has 25+ years of experience designing tests and analyzing data.
Amanda Eiden
Stack Commerce Copywriter
Amanda Eiden is a full-time tech and lifestyle content writer with an M.F.A. in creative writing. She’s also a published short fiction author who enjoys thrift shopping, bird watching, and music in her free time.
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