6 Best Honeywell Humidifiers — Trust Your Home Climate to Professionals!

By
Carolina Evans
Carolina Evans
Research Writer
Holds a Master’s degree in Engineering and is keen on her own home’s climate. Sometimes we think that Carolina owns every single product she writes about – that’s ho read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Richard Powell
Richard Powell
Expert Consultant
For 8 years, Richard had been working as an HVAC specialist and AC unit installer since his student years. Now, he’s our main consultant on every technical aspect that may read more
Last updated: August 23, 2023
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Using a humidifier has many health benefits including reducing the contagion of airborne bacteria and viruses, which helps fight with allergies and sinus issues. For those caring about their looks, this device is especially nice to have since it prevents the annoying static electricity, frizzy hair and dry skin caused by arid air. Aside from being good for your health, a running humidifier can also protect wood floors and furniture from drying out and cracking. The best Honeywell humidifier can do this all, increasing your home humidity levels and making you feel better.

Our reviews for the best humidifiers from Honeywell include a brief analysis of the top features that you should be looking for before you buy, including whether or not it emits a cool or warm mist (or both), the capacity of the tank and how many square feet it covers. Each model’s dimensions and decibel level were also researched to help you determine how much space it will occupy in your house and how much noise it will create.

We have done our homework by sifting through all of the manufacturer websites, reading reviews and finding the six best rated humidifiers on the market. Our top choices are presented in the comparison table below along with a rating and detailed review for each.  Read the concise buying guide and FAQ section to choose the best Honeywell humidifier for your needs.

Quick Summary

  • Editor's Choice: Honeywell HWM705B
    "This ultra-quiet, filter free humidifier is perfect for mid-sized rooms and comes with a medicine cup for liquid inhalants"
  • Best Honeywell Humidifier for Allergies: Honeywell HUL535B
    "This lightweight humidifier has variable moisture output settings and a directional misting spout for ultimate control "
  • Budget Pick: Honeywell HUL520B
    "An affordable whisper-quiet hygienic cool mist humidifier that is filter free and perfect for small rooms"
  • Best for Kitchens and Bathrooms: Honeywell HCM-6009
    "This humidifier uses a combination of evaporative technology and a heavy-duty filter to keep mid-sized rooms germ-free"
  • Best Honeywell Humidifier for Large Rooms: Honeywell HCM350W
    "This efficient humidifier for rooms of up to 2,300 square feet features a dual water tank, evaporative technology and climate control settings"
  • Best Honeywell Humidifier for Bedrooms: Honeywell HEV320
    "A compact, lightweight, simple-to-use humidifier that features an unbreakable sturdy water tank, quiet operation and a filter that prevents mineral deposits "

Top 6 Honeywell Humidifiers Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9858 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.8
9.9
1
Editor's Choice

Honeywell HWM705B

Features
  • Water tank capacity: 1 gal.
  • Runtime: up to 24 hours
  • Coverage area: medium size rooms
  • Filter: no
  • Dimensions: 6.2 x 10.5 x 12 inches
  • Warranty: 3-year limited

Other features: 2 moisture output settings; comes with a medicine cup for use with liquid inhalants

Our Editor’s Choice for the best Honeywell humidifier has it all, except for a removable filter, which is a huge money saver. If, however, having the water initially filtered in some way is crucial for you, instead of a filter, Honeywell recommends that you use a Protec Humidifier Cleaning Ball to continuously clean and protect against bacteria and mold and create a more pristine breathing environment. This is a plastic ball containing a cleaning cartridge that you can simply drop into the tank and then let it do its work for 30 days.

This attractive unit has a black plastic body with a transparent blue one-gallon tank that can direct a visible stream warm mist throughout a 250 square foot room for 24 hours before the Refill Light notifies you to add some more water. It is an ideal size for a living room or an office and at 3.73 pounds it is lightweight enough to move it wherever you want. It also lives up to its name as an ultra-quiet humidifier, which makes it a good choice for a bedroom, sick room or nursery.

You can easily create a safer environment with the cool air produced by this humidifier, which is not much larger than a tea kettle. The humidity level is controlled with a simple twist of the dial knob at the front. This Honeywell model is highly rated for including a plastic medicine cup, which helps you use it with inhalants meant to create a relaxing atmosphere while fighting with nose congestion and even bad mood.

    What stands out?
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to fill
  • Quiet operation
  • Medicine cup for inhalants
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • No directional mist
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3712 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.6
2
Best Honeywell Humidifier for Allergies

Honeywell HUL535B

Features
  • Water tank capacity: 1 gal.
  • Runtime: up to 24 hours
  • Coverage area: medium size rooms
  • Filter: no
  • Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.1 x 13 inches
  • Warranty: 2-year limited

Other features: variable moisture output settings; directional mist outlet

This ultra-quiet cool mist humidifier offers two stylish design choices: a white plastic body or a black one, both with dark blue transparent tanks. It resembles a tall flower vase with a very stable rounded base. The unit only weighs 3.04 pounds, which makes it ideal for moving from room to room. The humidifier gets top marks for having a wide tank opening which makes it very easy to fill up with the regular water from your kitchen faucet.

This efficient humidifier features a multi-directional spout that can be directed to shoot a cool stream of mist wherever you want it to go. Considering its small size, it does quite an impressive job of adding moisture to a room, being able to humidify 250 square feet and running for 24 hours before automatically shutting off. There is no filter to buy or clean as it uses Protect Continuous Cleaning Cartridge to ensure water tank hygiene and a pristine breathing environment.

This model also gets top marks for its ultra-quiet operation, which makes it ideal to place in bedrooms, nurseries, and offices. The visible stream of cool mist and the soft white noise that this Honeywell humidifier emits is described as being very calming and soothing. This unit is a great humidifier for sinus problems: it is ideal to use in warmer, dry climates, where you may want a bit of moisture in the air to fight with allergies or nasal congestion.

    What stands out?
  • Lightweight
  • Variable intensity settings
  • Quiet operation
  • Comes in two color designs
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • The tank is tricky to refill: bottom-fill design
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8582 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.5
3
Budget Pick

Honeywell HUL520B

Features
  • Water tank capacity: 0.5 gal.
  • Runtime: up to 20 hours
  • Coverage area: small size rooms
  • Filter: no
  • Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 9.5 inches
  • Warranty: 2-year limited

Other features: variable output control; also available in white, red, and blue

Our choice for the best .5 gallon Honeywell humidifier is this filter free model that works best in smaller rooms. This stylish and light round plastic unit suits many decors and comes in four colors: white, blue, red and black. The transparent water tank allows you to see when water is running low, however, an auto shut-off function and indicator light will alert you when it has run completely dry.

About the size of a small goldfish bowl, it fits easily on a shelf or tabletop and its compact size makes it ideal for home or office use. The device will soon become your number one humidifier for dry skin hydration and nasal congestion relief. A simple dial on the lower front part of the unit allows you to adjust the humidity clockwise from the lightest to heaviest air saturation.  In order to refill it, the unit must be separated into two bowl-like halves with a twist. The tank has a bottom-fill design, so needs to be turned over in order to fill.

Otherwise, this unit is practically maintenance-free. Honeywell recommends using Protec Continuous Cleaning Cartridges to keep the water tank and cool mist free of bacteria and mildew.

This humidifier also gets top marks for its whisper-quiet operation, which makes it ideal to place in bedrooms, nurseries and even public places such as classrooms. The visible stream of cool mist and the soothing low hum of this Honeywell humidifier for small rooms allows for a peaceful night’s sleep. It is also the ideal unit to use in more arid weather, where adding moisture to the air can help deal with allergies or sleep apnea.

    What do we love it for?
  • Lightweight
  • Fits on shelf
  • Quiet operation
  • Several color options
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Not that convenient to refill
  • Not suitable for bigger rooms
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4811 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.2
4
Best for Kitchens and Bathrooms

Honeywell HCM-6009

Features
  • Water tank capacity: 3 gal.
  • Runtime: up to 24 hours
  • Coverage area: up to 2,300 sq. ft.
  • Filter: yes
  • Dimensions: 21 x 13 x 17.5 inches
  • Warranty: 3-year limited

More features: adjustable humidistat; ‘Humidity Reached’ and ‘Tank Empty’ indicator lights

This best Honeywell humidifier for large rooms is a powerful machine that is about the size of a vacuum cleaner canister. It can double the humidity of a room or an entire house as large as 2,300 square feet overnight. The unit has an adjustable humidistat that ensures that your air does not get “too wet” and features Honeywell’s special evaporative technology that shoots air lightly over a wicking filter. This humidifier is fantastically efficient, but the filter is quite expensive and must be replaced every couple of months.

It is larger than most because it features a unique dual tank, with two 4.5-gallon canisters, allowing it to run up to 24 hours as long as you keep it on the low setting. You must fill both canisters to keep it running. The unit is best suited for positioning on the floor. It is fitted with four rolling casters, allowing you to place it in the living room, kitchen or wherever you like and easily move it from room to room when needed. However, this humidifier is not recommended for running in bedrooms or nurseries as it can be quite noisy when operated on anything but the low setting.

If you live in an arid climate that puts your wood floors and furniture at risk for cracking, or you need to keep an art collection or other valuable items in the perfect archival climate, then this is the humidifier for you. It is also a great whole house humidifier if you want your entire home to feel warmer, as moist air helps boost interior temperatures in cold weather.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Long runtime
  • Efficient and hygienic
  • Three manual settings
  • Humidity Reached indicator light
  • Tank Empty indicator light
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Awkward filling system
  • Noisy on high setting
  • Expensive filter
Also Product Ranking:

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7518 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
9.0
5
Best Honeywell Humidifier for Large Rooms

Honeywell HCM350W

Features
  • Water tank capacity: 1.1 gal.
  • Runtime: up to 24 hours
  • Coverage area: medium size rooms
  • Filter: yes
  • Dimensions: 17.5 x 9.4 x 11.8 inches
  • Warranty: 3-year limited

More features: 3 speed settings; dishwasher safe water tank and tray

This Honeywell humidifier with a powder blue transparent 1.1-gallon tank is about the size of a portable sewing machine. Its large top vent can humidify medium-sized rooms up to 800 square feet. The unit is taken apart by lifting the bulky top cover off of the base. The removable water canister resembles large juice jug and is easily refilled.

When the huge conical filter gets dirty, you must buy a new one to replace it. It is worth it because the filter, in conjunction with Honeywell’s unique technology, removes 99.9% of germs from the air making it safe and clean. It is also considered as a germ free Honeywell model, as it uses both evaporative technology and a filter to remove contaminants of all kinds from the air, thus making it the ideal unit for those suffering from allergies or a lowered immune system. You can even remove the water tank and tray and sanitize them in the dishwasher if you suspect that bacteria or mildew is building up in the unit.

It is impossible to add too much moisture to the air with this unit as it features three settings: High, Medium and Low, for controlling the mist output intensity. It is also one of the quietest humidifiers available from Honeywell, with a noise level that can be described as a barely perceptible hum. This unit is excellent for areas that require quiet such as a baby’s nursery, office or library, and also places that require hygienic maintenance such as the kitchen or bathroom.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Removes 99.9% of germs
  • Dishwasher safe tank and tray
  • Almost silent operation
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Filter needs to be changed from time to time which adds to the cost
  • Bulky plastic parts
Also Product Ranking:

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8367 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
8.9
6
Best Honeywell Humidifier for Bedrooms

Honeywell HEV320

Features
  • Water tank capacity: 0.8 gal.
  • Runtime: up to 18 hours
  • Coverage area: small to medium size rooms
  • Filter: yes
  • Dimensions: 8.6 x 12.1 x 10 inches
  • Warranty: 3-year limited

Other features: 2 speed settings; invisible cool moisture output

This small Honeywell humidifier, about the size of a large radio, has an unbreakable water tank at the back of the unit and a variable setting knob with two speeds at the front. The water tank is very easy to remove and can be refilled from the bottom through an extra wide opening. The top of the unit is a circular grid with wide holes to ensure the wide dispersal of moisture throughout the rooms that are up to 500 square feet in size. It runs for up to 18 hours on the lowest setting, which is also the quietest.

This humidifier offers the invisible cool moisture technology that Honeywell is famous for, using a wicking filter to stabilize the levels of humidity. The filter’s wicking system also prevents a buildup of crusty white mineral deposits on the inside which makes it a good choice in areas with hard water. However, you must use both a replacement filter and a Protec Continuous Cleaning Cartridge with this unit in order to keep the vapor it emits free from bacteria, allergens, and mold.

Smaller and quieter than most, this model is more of a personal humidifier. It tucks nicely into a corner of your night table, office desk or on top of a kitchen or bathroom counter.  It emits a lower white noise level, which makes it perfect for use in bedrooms, nurses and small offices. However, there is no indicator light to tell you when it is empty, so you have to keep an eye on it.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Simple to fill
  • Compact design
  • Break-resistant water tank
  • Quiet operation
  • Wick reduces mineral deposits
    What could be better?
  • Smaller coverage area
  • Shorter running time
  • No Tank Empty indicator light

Things to Consider

When shopping online for the best Honeywell humidifier, you might want to consider the advice in this Buying Guide to make sure you are purchasing the appliance that is most appropriate and also affordable for you.

Why Honeywell?

A humidifier from Honeywell can be purchased with confidence. Honeywell International is a trusted American brand that has been in business for 113 years. This Fortune 100 company designs and manufactures all kinds of consumer home products including dehumidifiers, heaters, fans, thermostats, air conditioners and security systems. It also has an aerospace division that creates guidance systems and propulsion engines for jet planes. No matter what you buy from Honeywell, it is likely to feature the latest technology.

Features to consider while choosing a Honeywell humidifier

Best Honeywell HumidifierBefore purchasing a humidifier, you might want to consider whether the model’s coverage area suits your room, if the there is a filter inside, and how much of noise it produces, among others. To equip you with all the information necessary, we’ve created this section.

Water tank capacity

The water tank capacity of your humidifier is important, especially if you want to leave the unit running continuously. Most water tanks need to be at least a gallon in size to keep working for 24 hours. A tank that is 0.8 of a gallon such as the Honeywell HEV320 only runs for 18 hours. A smaller water tank capacity is better if you are not able to lift heavy plastic canisters full of water. A dual tank model, such as the Honeywell HCM-350W has solved this issue by splitting up the three-gallon capacity of the tank into two canisters, that are easier to refill and carry.

Runtime

The runtime of a humidifier with a gallon tank is usually about 24 hours. The bigger, the tank, the longer the runtime, so that is something to keep in mind if you do not want to be running back and forth to refill the tank all of the time. The best humidifiers, such as our top choice, the Honeywell HWM705B, have an indicator light that tells you when the tank is dry.

Coverage area

Before buying a humidifier it is important to know its coverage area. Most humidifiers cover from 300 to 800 square feet, depending on the model.

The smaller coverage of up to 300 square feet is better for bedrooms, nurseries and bathrooms, while models with the capacity of over 500 square feet can cover a large living room, kitchen or office. Some models, like the Honeywell HCM-350W are capable of humidifying your entire home (up to 2,300 square feet.)

If there is a filter

Humidifiers with a filter might be less expensive than some filterless ones run by evaporation technology, but it is a good idea to determine whether or not you will need to buy expensive filters or filter cartridges to keep the unit running in a hygienic manner. The best humidifiers, such as our top choice, the Honeywell HWM705B, sanitize and moisturize the air without the need to always replace an expensive filter.

Noise level

Almost all humidifiers run a little quieter when selected to operate at their lowest level, so choosing a unit with multiple speeds is a good idea if you want to keep the noise of its operation down at night. The larger the unit’s area of coverage is, the louder it might be. Quite a few of our top-rated Honeywell humidifiers, such as the Honeywell HWM705B, Honeywell HUL535B and the Honeywell HUL520B are whisper quiet, even when operating at a higher setting.

Dimensions and weight

The dimensions and weight of a humidifier are important to think about, especially if you are intending to move it from room to room. Thankfully many modern humidifiers are small enough to sit up on a counter or shelf weighing less than four pounds, as is the case with the Honeywell HWM705B, Honeywell HUL535B and the Honeywell HUL520B. A larger, more unwieldy floor model, such as the Honeywell HCM-350W, will be on casters so it can be effortlessly moved from one room to another.

Warranty

Smaller portable models of humidifiers, such as the Honeywell HUL535B and the Honeywell HUL520B usually come with a limited warranty of at least two years and the larger ones with heavier plastic parts such as the Honeywell HCM-6009 and Honeywell HCM-350W usually come with a limited warranty of at least three years.

Extra features

Best Honeywell HumidifierThere are all kinds of extra features that you can look for when shopping for a Honeywell humidifier such as

  • Filter-free units that use evaporation technology to moisturize the air;
  • Lightweight transparent tanks that allow you to monitor water levels;
  • Removable spill-proof tanks with air-tight lids;
  • Dishwasher safe tanks, trays and other parts;
  • Medicine cups that allow you to safely add liquid inhalants into the unit;
  • A dial knob or digital display that allows you to set your goal humidification percent;
  • A built-in humidistat;
  • An indicator light that tells you when it is time to empty the water tank;
  • An auto shut-off mechanism that is triggered when the unit is full;
  • Quiet operation no matter what setting or speed it is on;
  • Casters that allow you to easily move the humidifier from room to room.

Tips to prolong your humidifier’s life

In order to prolong your humidifier’s life be sure to:

  • Frequently vacuum the area around the humidifier to prevent dust, dirt and bacteria from getting inside of the unit.
  • Use distilled water instead of tap water in the tank to prevent mineral deposits from forming in the unit, especially if you live in an area known for its hard water.
  • If your unit has a filter and you run it continuously, then be sure to change it every three months.
  • If your humidifier requires a special cleaning cartridge, be sure to change it every three months.
  • If your humidifier shows any signs of mold, mildew or smells like fungus, take it apart carefully and rinse out all parts through which water travels with a light bleach or disinfectant solution.
  • Avoid putting essential oils or other substances into the tank water.

FAQ

Which model is the best to use in a nursery?

The best humidifier model to use in a nursery is the Honeywell HUL520B, which is compact, lightweight and is available in four colors to suit your nursery’s décor. It also operates at a barely perceptible noise level, allowing your child to sleep all night long.

Where do I get the replacement filters and how often should they be changed?

Honeywell replacement filters are widely available in big chain stores, hardware stores and from many home, hardware or HVAC websites. You can also order them directly from Amazon or Honeywell website. Simply type the name of humidifier filter or the humidifier model number into their website’s search engine to find the one that fits your unit.

Will these devices make my room cooler?

Humidifiers that emit a warm mist will not make a room cooler, but cool mist models may lower it by about a degree. However, they are not as efficient as air conditioners when it comes to lowering a room’s temperature, as the surrounding air temperature will serve to warm the cool mist vapor droplets up.

Our verdict

To explain how we came about choosing our top three Honeywell humidifier models, the

Honeywell HWM705B with a rating of 9.9, the Honeywell HUL535B with a rating of 9.6 and the Honeywell HUL520B of 9.5, we looked for units with a decent runtime, sturdy construction, and a transparent tank that was easy to remove. All three humidifiers use Honeywell’s Ultrasonic Cool Mist technology, which is an evaporation technology that senses, through wicking, how much humidity is required in a room. All three also have variable settings, a runtime of at least 20 hours and do not require replacing a filter every six months.

Our top choice, the Honeywell HWM705B made the grade because it comes with a medicine cup for liquid inhalants, and is quite lightweight, yet portable. Our second choice, the Honeywell HUL535 earned its high rating because of it’s attractive, vase-like shape and handy directional mist outlet. Our third choice, the Honeywell HUL520B although smaller and with less capacity, got high ratings for its portability, attractive look and choice of four color options. All three also came with a two-year limited warranty.

9,9
Total Score
Honeywell HWM705B - Editor's Choice
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