When you breathe air with little to no humidity in it, you risk damage to skin, eyes, and even your respiratory tract, not to mention it might be uncomfortable. To combat this, you might need to use an ultrasonic humidifier, which does the job of populating the atmosphere around you with moisture droplets.
The best ultrasonic humidifiers listed below are the product of reviewing over 30 similar items and determining that the devices below stand at the pinnacle of them all. Additionally, the PowerPure 5000 is exceptional in a few ways leading to its position as the editor’s choice on our list. Among the top qualities of this device is the significant area coverage, 360-degree mist output, and auto-shutoff when the tank is empty. All the other six products on the list have their own unique and positive attributes, as well.
Top 7 Ultrasonic Humidifiers Review 2020
If you are on the market for one of these gadgets, you need to consider water tank capacity, total area the device will humidify, how long it runs alongside a few other extra features. This makes for an informed selection that you are less likely to regret. However, the amount of time you need to spend looking into each option is significantly reduced since we already researched manufacturer websites as well as took into account previous buyer experiences and product reviews. Consequently, you only need to read through the table, in-depth product descriptions, and lastly, the buying guide before selecting the best ultrasonic humidifier from the options provided.
A fantastic ultrasonic humidifier with a permanent ceramic filter, LCD control panel and auto shut-off. It can emit both cold and warm mist, and is nearly silent in operation
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An impressive warm and cool mist humidifier with 1.3-gallon water tank, high and low mist mode, and 16-hour operation
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A large room humidifier with three speed settings, an optional aromatherapy tray, the Silver Clean Protection and 120-hour low operation
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A noiseless cool mist humidifier with permanent ceramic filter, five different mist settings, an extension nozzle and top fill design
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A simple cool mist humidifier with directional mist outlet, a demineralization cartridge and a scent pad heater
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A budget-friendly ultrasonic humidifier with a large water tank and low water level warning, which is able to cover a relatively large room
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A stylish cool mist humidifier with 1-gallon water tank, 600 sq.ft. coverage area and 8-hour runtime
Read Our ReviewPowerPure 5000 – Editor’s Choice
- Type: warm/cool mist
- Capacity: 3 gallons
- Coverage area: 700 sq. ft.
- Runtime: 12 hours (max.operation)
Other features: near-silent operation, a permanent ceramic filter, auto shut-off, LCD control panel, 12-hour timer function, safety lock, remote control included
This device comes with a minimalistic design and is also very quiet in operation. As such, placing this tool in your bedroom shouldn’t be too much of a hassle. While the machine is portable, it does need to be close to a power supply, such as a socket, to carry out its mandate. Nevertheless, the tank is significantly large, with a capacity of up to 3 gallons when full. This tank is as well easy to monitor from the outside to see if you are nearing on empty. Also, this component features a safety lock to prevent children from removing the water tank on a whim.
You are also likely to appreciate the permanent ceramic filter. Given that regular water may contain allergens and other harmful materials, the filter is there to ensure that the air you breathe remains pristine. However, even with the inclusion of a filter you need to clean the device regularly so that mold doesn’t build up inside. As well you would do well to use filtered water for a cleaner, fresher experience.
Another positive you can expect by buying this device is its extensive area coverage. It can service the humidity needs of the 700 sq. ft. around it and thus should be able to cover the length and width of most household rooms. Nevertheless, if you want to service multiple rooms at the same time, you may need to buy extra units.
Additionally, the device can emit both cool and warm mist. The latter is ideal for when the temperatures are low in the room and the general vicinity. You can turn it on or off and generally tweak any of the devices’ functionalities either by using the LCD control panel or the included remote. Another positive that you might like is the auto-shutoff feature when the tank nears empty.
The last thing to note is, of course, the one-year warranty just in case you run into any issues.
- Comes with a remote
- Easy to use
- Auto shutoff prevents damage to the gadget
- 700 sq. ft. range
- Safety lock for the water tank
- Comes with a warranty for one year
- Both cool and warm mist options for different weather conditions
- It would be much easier to sleep with the device on if the display lights could be turned off
- Relatively pricey
Pure Enrichment HumeXL – Best Warm Mist
- Type: warm/cool mist
- Capacity: 1.3 gallons
- Coverage area: 430 sq.ft.
- Runtime: 12 / 16 hours (max. operation)
Other features: High Mist, Low Mist and Night modes; digital display; Easy Touch control; soft glow lighting; whisper-quiet operation; automatic shut-off
With this device, you get a five liter/1.3-gallon water tank, which is impressive, especially if you put it on low mist mode. This will, in turn, ensure that you have at least 50 hours of mist provided. The time frame is significantly reduced in case you use it in the high mist setting. Of course, all this depends on the time of day and conditions available when you decide to use the device. You don’t need it at full blast in the morning. However, you might need it in the middle of the day when you determine that the hot temperatures are the cause of the dry surroundings.
In addition to the high mist and low mist modes that you will use during the day, there is the addition of night mode as well. The device itself has a polished outlook. You can as well count on the device to shut down on its own if, for some reason, you forget to do so. Another design feature that you might grow to love is the soft-glow lighting. However, you can opt to turn the light off as you sleep.
At 430 sq. ft. this is ideal for smaller rooms and is supported by dual mist nozzles that can rotate up to 360 degrees on opposite sides of the invention. As such, you will find it extremely easy to direct the mist where you want it. Additionally, the easy to clean water tank, as well as the 5-year warranty, are both quite impressive.
- Five-year warranty
- Easy to use nozzles
- Soft lighting can be turned off at night
- Multiple mist modes
- Easy to clean 5-liter water tank
- Area coverage is not as impressive as some counterparts
- The only controls available are on the device
- No included filter
PureGuardian H4750AR – Longest Continuous Runtime
- Type: cool mist
- Capacity: 2 gallons
- Coverage area: 600 sq.feet
- Runtime: 120 hours (low operation)
Other features: Silver Clean™ Protection, three-speed settings, auto shut-off, a low water indicator light, a soft glow night light, an optional aromatherapy tray
Another ultrasonic humidifier for a large room is presented in the PureGuardian H4750AR. If you are also looking to get aromatherapy from your humidifier, you can as well buy the optional attachment to this device. Nevertheless, the tool comes with three selectable speed settings. You can select which one by using the interface on the side of the machine.
Another extra feature of this PureGuardian humidifier is the silver clean protection that will help prevent mildew and mold from growing inside the tank. The capacity of the tank is impressive and is necessary for the runtime displayed by the tool. It can run for up to 120 hours on the low setting. However, you may not want to have the device run for so long; hence the option to use the timer.
Also, when the device is close to finishing the water in the reservoir, it lets you know by use of an indicator light.
- 120-hour runtime
- A timer can be used
- Optional aromatherapy tray
- Easy to use interface
- Large area coverage
- Doesn’t have a remote
- Optional tray will increase the expense of owning the tool
- No warm mist setting
Air Innovations 901D – Best Humidifier With Filter
- Type: cool mist
- Capacity: 1.6 gallons
- Coverage area: 600 sq.ft.
- Runtime: up to 100 hours
Other features: permanent ceramic filter, LED display, an extension nozzle, a dual directional mist nozzle, five different mist settings, silent operation, top-fill design
If the only thing you are looking for is a cool mist ultrasonic humidifier, this device fits the bill perfectly. You can count on the device being noiseless in operation; hence, it allows you to sleep in a quiet environment if you place it in the bedroom. This is coupled with about five different mist settings that depend on your needs at the time. These are the low, medium, high, supreme, and an additional turbo mode.
Concerning the tank, this device features a 1.6-gallon reservoir that is also engineered to be anti-microbial. This Air Innovations humidifier will thus make it difficult for bacteria to find a habitat in your device. This, nevertheless, does not exempt you from having to clean the equipment from time to time. In the long run, this helps you stay healthy as the mist output will find a way into your body. On the sides of the device is a digital interface that includes a display as well as the controls you need to use the tool effectively. These may even include a programmable timer, so you don’t have to think about when to turn the device off.
At less than a $100 price point, this device allows for a runtime of up to 100 hours. Also, it features an extension nozzle up to 15 inches in size, which will enable you to place it on the floor rather than conventional table-top placement. You will also not need to buy a water filter as it comes with the package.
- Easy to use controls
- Five mist output modes
- Comes with a water filter
- Easy to refill due to the top-fill design
- Silent operation
- Measures in place to fight bacteria and other microorganisms
- No remote
- No warm mist output
Vicks V5100n – Best With a Scent Pad
- Type: cool mist
- Capacity: 1.2 gallons
- Coverage area: 600 sq.ft.
- Runtime: 24 hours
Other features: power switch with multiple humidity levels, a demineralization cartridge, a scent pad heater, directional mist outlet
The Vicks V5100n is a simple device with a single knoblike switch for control. You can use this to determine the level of mist output per session when you turn the device on. Also, this will only emit cool mist with no option or capability for a warmer output. You also have the directional mist outlet, so you can determine which parts of the room need to be humidified first.
Similar to the PureGuardian H4810AR, you can also use this device to manipulate the scent of the air around you. The manufacturer even recommends that you use Vicks VapoPads that as well can be chosen depending on the use scenario. An illustrative example is that you can choose lavender and rosemary scents to help you sleep. Also, this Vicks humidifier is likely to last about 24 hours with each filling.
- Easy to use
- Can be used with scent modifiers as well
- Large room coverage
- You can direct mist whichever way you want
- No warm mist option
- No remote control
Miroco Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier – Budget Pick
- Type: cool mist
- Capacity: 6 liters
- Coverage area: up to 430 sq.ft.
- Runtime: up to 60 hours
Other features: ultra-quiet, night light, adjustable mist, automatic shut-off, 90mm water inlet, Low Water Warning, an adjunct brush, alternative dustproof sponge, convenient handle
This device impresses with its large tank capacity along with the low water level warning. You will also be able to clean the equipment easily once you make this your purchase. The 430 sq. ft. area coverage, while not the most impressive, will still be able to cover a relatively large room. Also, whenever you need to move the device, there is a handle that allows you to do that easily. This is handy when you need to go to the sink and refill it.
You can also leave it on without worrying about it. The device is capable of shutting down on its own after an extended use period. Additionally, there is a night light that you can turn on or off as per your preference when you use the device in your sleeping quarters.
Also, it comes with cleaning features such as the adjunct brush and dustproof sponge.
- Can run for up to 60 hours
- 360-degree rotatable mist output
- Auto shutoff
- Night light
- Quiet in use
- No option for using a remote
- Area coverage is a bit limited
Miro NR07G – Best Aesthetics
- Type: cool mist
- Capacity: 1 gallon
- Coverage area: 600 sq.ft.
- Runtime: 8 hours (max. operation)
Other features: sanitary washable design, top-fill, whisper-quiet operation, volcano cap and tea-kettle cap with noise muffler included
Here is yet another cool mist, only ultrasonic humidifier. From the outlook, the device has a rather aesthetically pleasing design and will be able to cover a 600 sq. ft. total area. As such, it is ideal for large rooms as well.
Nevertheless, the capacity is not too impressive maxing out at only 1 gallon. Eight hours is the device’s maximum runtime on full power. If you take it down to minimum mist output, this period can be extended to 24 hours.
Nevertheless, if you notice that the tank is almost empty, you can add water while it is still running to keep it going for longer. Among the design features is a volcano cap as well as a tea-kettle cap with a noise muffler. These are probably why the device can offer whisper-quiet operation.
The product works with a universal DC adapter and is also underwriter’s laboratories certified. You are also going to need to clean it from time to time, whereby some of the removable components of the device make it easy to do that. The controller comes attached to the device and is quite similar in looks to the tool itself. Also, it will give off a red indicator light every time the device shuts off.
- Easy to use controller
- Quiet operation
- Compatible with most sockets
- Can run for up to 24 hours
- Small water tank
- Can only run for 8 hours when on full power
Buying Guide
The best ultrasonic humidifier will help keep your skin moisturized, alleviate cold symptoms, and even help you sleep better depending on the use scenario. However, spending money on a product that you don’t know about may leave you disappointed in its capabilities. You should be aware of the budget range to expect, features, and also, you should have at least three top picks to choose from. This way, it won’t matter if your first choice is not available. These are the reasons why the buying guide below is provided.
Advantages of ultrasonic humidifiers
As mentioned before, they help keep the humidity levels in the air at an acceptable level. Also, they help you breathe more comfortably as well as keep your skin from drying out. As such, if you experience low humidity in your office or household at any time of day, then an ultrasonic humidifier will make life remarkably easier on you.
Features to consider when choosing an ultrasonic humidifier
Each element on an ultrasonic humidifier will come with its advantages and disadvantages. Also, some features are more important than others; hence carry more weight when it comes to determining which model to pick. As such, a bit of knowledge on the features themselves may come in handy when you are making the selection; hence why they are highlighted below.
Type
Even in low humidity areas, there are times when the weather is cold.
Runtime and capacity
The capacity refers to the size of the water tank since these devices need the fluid to function. An example is given in the Miro NR07G that has a one-gallon water tank. Also, if you look carefully through the device options we have provided above, you will notice a bit of correlation between the reservoir capacity and the runtime. Most of these devices will run until there is no water left; thus, those with larger tanks seem to run longer. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Additionally, you would be wise to get a purchase that also has a timer. As a consequence, you will not have to worry about shutting the device off and conserving energy as long as you set the timer.
Coverage area
This area refers to the distance that the humidity released by the device covers. As such, devices that cover areas of up to 250 sq. ft. are ideal for small room installations. Those devices that cover from 400 sq. ft. and upwards are for medium-sized rooms. As well there are those suited for the larger rooms, and these will have a square foot coverage of between 600 and 700 sq. ft.
Other features
Of course, with the above being the key features, others are presented in the device to sweeten the deal. Among them is a humidistat. The inclusion of this component in the overall setup of the equipment could be hugely beneficial to the user. Since the device will be able to regulate itself based on readings from the atmosphere, there is little for the owner to do but turn it on and off at specific times in the day. They might also have to refill the reservoir from time to time.
Also, some devices might incorporate components that allow for scents to be incorporated into the mist provided, therefore working as an air freshener for the room in question. Additionally, some devices like the Miroco Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier may go the extra mile, even providing you with a warning whenever the water goes below a certain level.
FAQ
Some people believe that ultrasonic humidifiers are, in fact, better than their evaporative counterparts. They do host some benefits over the latter with examples like the fact that they consume less energy, and they are quieter in operation. They are also compact to the point where they are easy to carry. However, evaporative gadgets also have top attributes, as well.
Most ultrasonic humidifiers do not kill germs. However, some of them do make it impossible for micro-organisms to live in their reservoirs. Even so, you would be better served by using purified water for your humidification needs. This is regardless of whether the device incorporates a water filter or not.
There are no health risks directly associated with using an ultrasonic humidifier. However, the water you use may pose several health risks. If mold and mildew are present in the tank, then they will likely be present in the mist produced and subsequently in the air you breathe. As such, this may result in allergic reactions. To be safe, you should clean the device regularly with clean water and again use purified water for humidification.
Our Verdict
Just as we mentioned before, we already have a favorite in the PowerPure 5000. As such, we would order that as the first option from Amazon if we were in your shoes. The device has the most extensive area coverage of any device we have reviewed, not to mention remote control so you can operate it from anywhere within the room.
Nonetheless, things always go your way and so we have a contingency selection. This is the Pure Enrichment HumeXL. You may discount this device since it covers a relatively small area, but there are positive attributes to this device that you won’t find in a few other options. The most notable is the fact that you can switch from cold to warm mist at a moment’s notice. Apart from the editor’s choice, no other device offers the same. The PureGuardian H4750AR, as well, strikes our fancy due to the large water reservoir capacity that supports the elongated runtime.
It is as well hard to go wrong with any of the four remaining options. After all, you know best what your needs are and what product is best to service them.
