5 Best Dehumidifiers of 2024

Product experts and analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute continuously survey the marketplace and manufacturers to identify the models that consumers nationwide are most likely to find in stores and online. From there, we select models for testing across different size categories to cover every need and budget.

We only test condensing models, since they capture more moisture than desiccant models (which use a water-absorbing material) or thermoelectric dehumidifiers (which use an electric charge to "attract" humidity).

Hands-on testing begins in our Lab under controlled humidity and temperature conditions. The key performance-based test measures how much water each dehumidifier collects in a 48-hour time period. Our engineers also use a decibel meter to assess how loud each machine is when running at its highest fan speed. Usability is another important part of our evaluation; it happens in the Lab, as well as in the homes of consumer testers, allowing us to test the dehumidifiers under real-world conditions.

We look at factors such as portability, how intuitive the display and controls are and ease of cleaning, including how simple it is to wash the filter and empty the water reservoir. Finally, we assess each brand's customer service by contacting their help lines with a pretend problem and seeing how quickly it is remedied by the representative.

Here are a few points to keep in mind before you purchase the best dehumidifier for your needs:

✔️ Price point: If you're asking yourself if a dehumidifier is worth the price, it most likely is. The fact that you're researching which one to purchase shows that you're already dealing with excessive humidity. Generally speaking, the more efficient it is, the more powerful it is and the more you need to run it, the more expensive it will be. When it comes to dehumidifiers, it's almost guaranteed that you'll be happier having one versus not having one, no matter the price point.

✔️ Type: If humidity is a problem throughout the entire house, an integrated whole-home system may be the way to go. If your moisture issues are seasonal or confined to only some rooms of the house, a portable residential unit is your best bet. Smaller dehumidifiers tend to cost less and can be easier to move, but they can be less efficient when running at a constant rate. It's best to err on the side of caution by buying a larger unit than a smaller one and having the unit run less frequently.

✔️ Size: The size of your room and how damp it is will determine how big or small your dehumidifier should be. Dehumidifiers are sized based on how many pints of moisture they can remove in a day. The larger and wetter your space is, the more powerful your unit will need to be. For example, a 70-pint dehumidifier can cover a very damp 700 square feet or a slightly damp 1,200 square feet. Keep in mind: If the room is cooler (say, a basement), the dehumidifier will remove less moisture, since colder air contains less moisture than warmer air. Here's a quick guide:

• A small humidifier removes 20 to 25 pints of moisture at 65°F, or 30 to 40 pints at 80°F (about 400 to 600-plus square feet).
• A medium humidifier removes 30 to 35 pints of moisture at 65°F, or 50 to 60 pints at 80°F (about 800 to 1,000-plus square feet).
• A large humidifier removes 40 to 55 pints of moisture at 65°F, or 70 to 90 pints at 80°F (about 1,200 to 1,500-plus square feet).

✔️ Features: Dehumidifiers have many features to consider, but these are the ones our pros recommend focusing on:

• Hose connection: If you'll be using a large-capacity dehumidifier for a particularly wet job, finding a dehumidifier with a hose connection can save you from having to empty the machine manually.
• Pumps: Attached to the hose, a pump can send water up to a sink or window. Many can move water up to 15 feet.
• Auto-humidistat: This can sense the moisture in the air and turn off automatically once the desired level is reached.
• Low temperature setting and/or auto-defrost: These features are helpful if the dehumidifier will be in a cool place, as they help ensure the unit can operate properly in cooler temps.

✔️ Maintenance: Some dehumidifiers are easier to clean and maintain than others:

• Accessible water reservoir: Front-facing buckets that have a comfortable handle are the easiest to remove.
• Filter indicator: This feature reminds you to clean your dehumidifier's air filter. That's also a good time to clean the grill at the back of the unit, following the manufacturer's instructions.

In 2019, the Department of Energy changed the parameters of measuring the capacity of dehumidifiers. In the past, dehumidifiers were officially tested at 80°F, but since June 13, 2019, dehumidifiers are required to be tested at a lower temperature, 65°F, "to more accurately reflect expected performance in a basement setting."

This means that a dehumidifier tested in accordance with the new protocols will likely report a smaller capacity. For example, a previously labeled "70-pint dehumidifier" will now likely be considered a 50-pint dehumidifier under new guidelines.

In this roundup, all of the picks are reflective of these new standards. This means that if you previously purchased a dehumidifier, the original pint size may have been adjusted according to the new guidelines, as you cannot compare older units directly against newer units.

• Check to see that the airflow isn’t restricted. Some units have vents on top, allowing it to sit against a wall. Others have vents on the sides, which means they shouldn't be pushed up against walls or furniture.
• Regularly clean the air filter. The dehumidifier won't work as well if it's dirty. Make sure you're tending to it at least once a week.
• Unplug the machine before you open it for any reason. When you empty the container or clean it, check to be sure you've unplugged it first.

Lead author Rachel Rothman has extensive experience conducting hands-on testing of dehumidifiers, leveraging her training in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics. In her former role as chief technologist and director of engineering at the Good Housekeeping Institute, Rachel helped develop the testing protocols for the category. With regard to indoor air quality, she is a leading advocate for the adoption of rigorous industry standards. Rachel has also tested dozens of dehumidifiers in recent years at her home.

Nikolas Greenwald, Lab assistant at the Good Housekeeping Institute, led the latest round of dehumidifier testing. Nikolas works with all of our Labs to develop testing protocols and manage data collection and analysis. Before joining GH in 2022, Nikolas worked in the labs of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, working on projects ranging from chemical inventory and reporting to the development of bioassays. He holds a degree in chemical engineering from Northeastern University.

Contributing writer Jessica Hartshorn most recently updated this story, studying the Good Housekeeping Institute's newest dehumidifier testing data.