There are a few things to consider when purchasing a humidifier, such as ease of clean-up (bacteria growth can be a problem for these devices), type (evaporative, ultrasonic, or warm-mist), and size.

The most traditional type, evaporative humidifiers, use a reservoir, porous wick, and fan to put moisture in the air. The wick absorbs water from the reservoir, and the fan aids in evaporation by blowing on the wick. Ultrasonic humidifiers use high-frequency sound vibrations to create mist and are quieter than other types of humidifiers. Often there’s no filter, which can lead to mineral scale deposits. For smaller areas, warm-mist models are preferred, as they’re also quiet. They boil water via an internal heating element, killing bacteria and mould in the process, before dispelling the warm mist into the room.

Some machines help individuals who need a desktop offering for the workplace, while others represent full-home solutions and come loaded with antimicrobial features designed to limit bacteria growth. Here are our picks for the best humidifiers.

From functional to safety features, Levoit’s humidifier has something to offer for everyone. This appliance has a three-litre tank capacity that is good for up to 25 hours of use. Once the water runs out, the humidifier automatically shuts off to ensure users’ safety. This overall winner also operates at an acceptable noise level of 28 dB, is operational via Alexa, and the top fill design is incredibly easy to use, making it perfect company for sleeping babies and families.

Why we love it:

— Can be turned on and off remotely via the App — Easy to understand display — Automatic shut-off when the water levels run low

Vintoney’s humidifier offers two working modes and two light modes that you can adjust by simply pressing the appliance’s button in certain ways. The working functions include a continuous mist and an intermittent mist that both work on a comfortable noise level of less than 30dB. This humidifier also features a modern and practical design that will be sure to complement contemporary spaces, whether at home or the office.

Why we love it:

— Can be powered via USB — Has a LED night light — Lightweight and giftable

This humidifier by Pro Breeze also works with essential oils, which means the appliance can help enhance your space’s air quality as well as create a therapeutic and relaxing environment. It also features a nozzle that can rotate up to 360 degrees so you can easily direct the cool mist in any direction. With its 3.8-litre capacity, the humidifier can work continuously for 20 up to 40 hours.

Why we love it:

— Eye-catching, unique design — Features an auto-shutoff function — Easy to use chrome dial

With a 5.5 litre tank, the Elechomes Ultrasonic Humidifier can humidify areas up to 750 square feet. It has three different mist-strength levels, and it serves as both a warm-mist and a cool-mist humidifier. The UC5501 has smart humidity sensing technology. It displays the humidity level on the LED display screen, so you know how much you need to reach the right level in the room. It has a sleek, high-tech design, and it comes with a remote control, so you can change the settings without getting up.

Why we love it:

Deciding on a humidifier doesn’t have to be complicated. Take a look at the list we’ve compiled here, consider the space you need to humidify, what time frames the machine will be running in, and how important additional factors like lights, remote controls, and aromatherapy are to you. For a range of budgets and requirements, this list will make choosing the right humidifier easy.