The Best Dehumidifiers

If you want the most moisture pulled per day and the quietest run, the Levoit Smart Dehumidifier is the pick: it removes up to 84 pints a day, covers 4,500 sq ft, and runs at 42 dB, the lowest noise rating of the four dehumidifiers on this list. If your space is smaller or you just want the lowest sticker price, the hOmeLabs 32-Pint Dehumidifier costs $211.49 and still carries a 4,500 sq ft coverage claim, though its actual pint-per-day rate is the lowest in this group.

Two more picks round out different budgets and needs. The Midea Cube 50-Pint pulls 50 pints a day with 430 CFM of airflow and a lift-and-twist design that nests down for storage. The Hisense 50-Pint with built-in pump is the easiest to drain uphill to a sink or window, and it keeps working down to 38 degrees Fahrenheit for an unheated basement in early spring or late fall.

How we picked

Every product on this list is scored on five weighted criteria: moisture removal in pints per day (30%), energy efficiency (20%), noise (15%), drainage and tank design (15%), and 3-year cost including the purchase price and, where the brand publishes a wattage figure, an electricity estimate (20%). These are researched picks. We read spec sheets, Energy Star listings, and manufacturer pages rather than running the units in person. See how we score for the full method.

Sources read for this list include Sylvane’s product page for the Midea Cube, Levoit’s own site along with its Energy Star Most Efficient press release, the hOmeLabs product page, and the Hisense WHD5025P listing on Walmart.com.

What to look for in a dehumidifier

• Pints per day. Match the rated removal, not just the square footage claim, to your space. A moderately damp 1,500 sq ft basement usually needs at least 30 pints/day, and a very damp space over 3,000 sq ft calls for 50 pints/day or more.
• Noise in dB. Anything above 50 dB is noticeable in a room where people sit or sleep. Look for 45 dB or lower if the unit will run in a bedroom, home office, or nursery.
• Tank size in gallons. A 1-gallon tank on a high-capacity unit can mean several trips to the sink a day if you are not running a continuous drain hose. Check the tank size against how often you are willing to empty it.
• Drainage options. Gravity drain only works if the unit sits above the drain point. A built-in pump lets you drain uphill to a sink or window, which matters most in a basement.
• Energy Star certification. Energy Star and Energy Star Most Efficient units use less power for the same pint rating, which adds up over a 3-year cost comparison.
• Operating temperature. Standard compressor dehumidifiers struggle below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If you need one for an unheated basement or garage, look for a stated low-temperature or auto-defrost rating such as 38 degrees Fahrenheit.

A dehumidifier is not a substitute for fixing a moisture source like a leaking pipe or poor grading outside the foundation. Pair it with an air purifier if dust or allergens are also a concern, and see our humidifier vs. dehumidifier guide if you are not sure which appliance your room actually needs.

FAQ

How many pints per day do I need for my basement?

For a moderately damp basement, plan on roughly 10 pints/day for every 500 sq ft. A 1,500 sq ft basement with visible dampness typically needs a 30 to 50 pint/day unit, and a 3,000 sq ft space or one with a history of standing water needs 50 pints/day or more, like the Midea Cube or Hisense picks here.

Is a higher pint rating always better?

No. An oversized unit cycles on and off quickly without running long enough to properly dry the air, which wastes energy and can leave the room feeling clammy. Match the rating to your square footage and moisture level rather than buying the largest number available.

Do dehumidifiers help with allergies or mold?

Keeping indoor humidity between 30% and 50% makes it harder for mold and dust mites to thrive, since both need moisture to grow. A dehumidifier is one part of that control. See a professional if you already have visible mold or ongoing respiratory symptoms.

Can I run a dehumidifier and an air conditioner at the same time?

Yes, and in most homes the air conditioner handles the bulk of the humidity load. A dedicated dehumidifier picks up the difference in rooms the AC does not reach well, like a basement, or during shoulder seasons when the AC barely runs. If you are choosing between a portable air conditioner and a dehumidifier, a dehumidifier is the better fit when the room is already cool but damp.

How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier for a year?

It depends on the wattage and how many hours a day it runs. As an example, a 425-watt unit like the Midea Cube running 8 hours a day costs about $211 a year at the national average electricity rate of $0.17 per kWh. Check the cost box above for the 3-year estimate on each pick.