Consumer Reports

The Honeywell HUL520 humidifier is another CR Best Buy, but the budget pick lacks many features save for an automatic shutoff when the tank is empty. That said, its overall performance is first-rate, and it does a top-notch job adding moisture to the air without a lot of noise. For convenience, it earns an Excellent rating; being able to fill the tank in a bathroom sink and get a hand inside for cleaning are major pluses.

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The Air Innovations humidifier impresses in our tests, with top marks in efficiency, low noise levels, and output. It earns an Excellent rating in overall performance and comes with an automatic shutoff feature as well as an empty-tank indicator. Prime to tackle areas up to 400 square feet, this model is not one to miss. 

The CVS Health GUL540V1 cool-mist humidifier is intended for rooms up to 150 square feet, and it earns an Excellent rating in our noise tests, making it a good choice for a small bedroom. A CR Best Buy, the model combines impressive performance with an appealing price. Like many small humidifiers, it’s light on features but is equipped with an automatic shutoff and a nightlight. This model is sold exclusively at CVS and cvs.com.

CR’s take: The ultrasonic Lasko UH300, a CR Best Buy, can humidify a large room of up to 600 square feet, earning a Very Good rating in our output tests and acing several other evaluations. Unlike most of the models in our ratings, the Lasko is a dual-mist humidifier. That means it can pump out cool mist or warm, using more energy in the latter mode. When empty, the Lasko shuts off automatically. This model’s humidistat wasn’t very effective, though, so consider purchasing an inexpensive hygrometer to monitor your room’s humidity level.

The Comfort Zone CZHD20 humidifier is geared toward smaller areas, specifically up to 100 square feet, and can be used for travel as well. It earns an Excellent rating in overall performance in our tests and top marks for convenience as well as its output of gallons of water emitted daily.

CR’s take: The ultrasonic Babymoov Hygro (+), designed for rooms of around 215 square feet, is top-rated for a reason. It excels in almost every one of CR’s tests. The Hygro (+) is the only small humidifier to earn an above-average score for the accuracy of its humidistat, a device that displays relative room humidity. Features include a night-light that revolves through a rainbow of colors, automatic shutoff when the tank is empty, a timer, and the option to diffuse aromas. But its cord length, 58 inches, is on the short side.

The Vicks cool-mist humidifier, designed for a medium-sized room, excels across the board, garnering an Excellent rating for moisture output for the space, noise levels, and more. Because the tank can’t be filled in a typical bathroom sink, it’s not as convenient as some other models. At 84 inches, the cord is especially long. As for features, there’s automatic shutoff, but that’s it.

CR’s take: The sleek, ultrasonic Honeywell HUL430 hits only high notes in our ratings, earning top scores in five out of six of our tests. (We couldn’t do our sixth test, for humidistat accuracy, because this model doesn’t have a humidistat.) The HUL430, which is designed for rooms of about 400 square feet, includes several attractive features: an empty-tank indicator, automatic shutoff when empty, a fairly long cord (74 inches), an ample 2-year warranty, and the ability to diffuse scented essential oils into the air. Because this unit has no humidistat, we recommend buying a hygrometer, a gauge that costs around $10 and measures relative humidity; it will help you keep your room at the humidity level you want.

TechGearLab

The Honeywell HUL430 has everything you want in a humidifier and nothing that you don't. Its performance, simple interface, and user-friendly design mean it's easy to set up, use, and clean. It is our favorite humidifier option without any smart features. The HUL430 has a control dial to turn it on and indicator lights to view the power mode, plus a clear viewing panel into the water reservoir, so there's no doubt about when it's on or if you're low on water. When it is time to fill the water tank, a large handle and error-proof ergonomics make it easy to carry, fill, and replace the tank without leaks.  
The only downside to the Honeywell is the lack of a humidistat or any additional features, so if a precise humidity setting is what you're after, you'll have to look elsewhere. But if you want a humidifier that cranks up the humidity in any room without the hassle of multiple buttons or associated apps, then the Honeywell HUL430 is the best choice.
Read more: Honeywell HUL430 review

Humidifier Comparison