It’s been a harsh winter for those up in the Northeast. Until this year, I’ve never felt like I needed a humidifier. I always thought of it as a “nice to have.” But when the first blizzard hit the city and I had no choice but to blast the heat, I felt my skin shrivel, my nasal passages tighten, and my throat become so sore it hurt to swallow. I decided to put my big-girl pants on and find a humidifier that wouldn’t have me breathing in mold spores and help me survive the rest of the season.
One of the experts I spoke with was Kristyn Smith, a licensed aesthetician whose clients include Bella Hadid and who is the founder of Practise NYC. According to her, humidifiers are beneficial year-round. “Winter heating dries the air, but air-conditioning in warmer months does the same,” she says. “Maintaining balanced humidity consistently supports healthier, more resilient skin in every season.”
I also spoke to editors on our team to find out which machines they’ve found to be the most reliable and easy to use. You’ll see that our picks are on the higher end price-wise, but these are the ones we genuinely love and trust to stay mold-free and easy to clean and last us for years to come.
So, you're looking for the best humidifiers?
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Our top picks
The Best Overall
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Capacity: 4L | Floor area: 500 sq ft
Carepod’s humidifier is the fan favorite by far. Not only is it Smith’s top pick, but at least three people on staff love it, myself included. Brooke Marine, our deputy culture editor, likes it because it’s easy to clean (there are only three parts to wash, and the two stainless-steel pieces are dishwasher-safe). Marisa Carroll, our executive editor, has one for herself and one for her kids, and she calls it “the least-gross humidifier I’ve ever used.” I have the version with the mood light and the stand, which keeps the machine nice and elevated, but you can always just place it on a side table or dresser. It’s also virtually silent, which I love.
The One for Large Spaces
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Capacity: 5.5L | Floor area: 1000 sq ft
Canopy is another go-to, and our editors like all of the sizes — especially since you can just stick the washable parts in the dishwasher when it’s deep-clean time. Our deputy style editor, Joanna Nikas, is a fan of using the large one to humidify her apartment. One thing that’s also cool about this one is that it has sensors that keep it running until all the water is gone.
The One That’s Also an Air Purifier
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Capacity: 3.8L | Floor area: 391 sq ft
I’m obsessed with keeping my air clean, which is why I have an air purifier going at all times. This Blueair both purifies and humidifies at the same time, so it’s nice to only have one machine to worry about. This is going to sound weird, but I also enjoy putting water in it … You pour it into the disc-like top, and it kind of feels like watering a plant. I will note that it’s pretty large and makes more noise than the other options, so it’s better for people who have a bigger space and can tolerate some white noise.
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More tried-and-true options
The Most Stylish Option
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Capacity: 1.5L | Floor area: 600 sq ft
This one is our shopping writer Chinea Rodriguez’s favorite. You have to admit that it looks darn good sitting on her bedside table. “It’s easy to use but also very minimal and sleek,” she says. “I like that it doesn’t look like a humidifier and it’s easy to put away when I’m not using it or to leave it on a shelf because it looks like décor.”
The Best Mini-Humidifier
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Capacity: 2.8L | Floor area: 350 sq ft
If you need one that’s compact, easy to move around and refill, and that’s especially great for a child’s room or nursery, the mini Carepod would be a great fit. “It’s designed for easy disassembly and thorough cleaning, which makes proper upkeep realistic long-term,” Smith says. There are only three parts that you need to clean, making the process super quick and painless. And because it’s clear, if there is any mold or residue buildup, you’ll see it right away.
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FAQs
What are the benefits of using a humidifier?
“Humidifiers help maintain proper moisture levels in the air, which supports the skin barrier, reduces transepidermal water loss, and minimizes dryness, irritation, and sensitivity,” Smith explains. She says that other benefits include helping counteract any breathing discomfort and improving the quality of your sleep.
What kind of water should you put in your humidifier?
According to Smith, to prevent any mineral buildup in your machine, you should try to use purified or distilled water. “That said, I personally use filtered water for ease and cost-effectiveness,” she says. “It’s more practical for daily use and works well when paired with regular cleaning, especially in higher-quality units.”
How often should you clean your humidifier?
Smith recommends wiping things down every few days and doing a weekly deep clean. “Consistent maintenance is essential to prevent bacteria, mold, and mineral deposits.” You definitely don’t want to be breathing in any of that stuff!
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Our experts
- Kristyn Smith, licensed aesthetician and founder of Practise NYC
- Carol Lee, beauty writer for The Cut
- Chinea Rodriguez, shopping writer for The Cut
- Joanna Nikas, deputy style editor for The Cut
- Marisa Carroll, executive editor for The Cut
- Brooke Marine, deputy culture editor for The Cut
