You don’t need to dwell within the American deep south to really feel the results of humidity. At house, simply respiration makes the air extra humid, not to mention cooking or showering.
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And when it will get too humid, it’s dangerous for our well being in addition to our properties. In actual fact, the 2 are linked: humidity lets mould and dirt mites flourish – and so they, in flip, can set off bronchial asthma and allergic reactions.
Dehumidifiers could make your indoor atmosphere extra comfy by lowering the quantity of moisture within the air. Due to this, they’re additionally a fantastic laundry-drying hack. I exploit mine to dry garments quick, and for a fraction of the price of tumble drying.
Unsure in the event you want one? You should purchase a hygrometer cheaply – the one I used for testing price lower than £10 – to test your house’s relative humidity and make an knowledgeable resolution. Do you have to decide to purchase one, do your analysis at respected sources (like, trace, the Filter). Researching this piece, I used to be shocked to study that clients had been duped into shopping for very fundamental dehumidifiers for nicely over the chances.
At a look
Why it is best to belief me
I’m an award-winning client expertise journalist with many years of expertise testing electrical home equipment; I’ve been reviewing devices for nearly 30 years. I dwell in a terrace home with a stunning variety of kids and much too many pets, so there’s plenty of laundry: I exploit a dehumidifier to dry garments. I’ve additionally been recognized to make use of one for fast DIY, drying plaster and paint sooner.
How I examined
I chosen 14 dehumidifiers from main manufacturers to check, then set them up and used them, every for a number of days. I used an influence meter to measure how a lot electrical energy (and subsequently cash and carbon) they use. Utilizing the Sound Meter app, I measured the noise from 1m away in decibels (dB) on a number of events – the figures featured listed below are all those that I measured at house, in constant situations, so that they typically differ from producers’ official figures, that are measured in lab situations however in inconsistent methods. Extra subjectively, I paid consideration to the standard of the sound – was it annoying, gurgly, laborious to disregard, straightforward to go to sleep to? And I measured every dehumidifier’s dimension.
To measure the room’s humidity whereas testing, I used a digital hygrometer held 1m away (although humidity can be roughly the identical elsewhere within the room), and a thermometer to test the temperature. Dehumidifiers fill a tank with water they’ve extracted from the air, so one measure of how good a job they’ve achieved is to measure how a lot water is in there – which I did, utilizing a jug.
As a result of situations differ from second to second and room to room, it was unattainable to check every one in exactly the identical situations. As such, I’ve solely talked about the outcomes of those not-so-scientific assessments after they stood out.
After testing, any dehumidifiers that weren’t collected by producers have been donated to Furnishing Futures, a charity that totally furnishes the empty social housing during which ladies and youngsters are positioned after surviving home abuse.
The most effective dehumidifiers in 2025
Finest dehumidifier general:Ebac 4650e
That is the priciest dehumidifier on check, nevertheless it’s definitely worth the cash. It’s massive however luggable, with a single deep deal with on the rear that makes it straightforward to hold and an built-in cable tidy on the again that’s nice while you wish to retailer it.
Why we love itI just like the design. For instance, a flap on the entrance opens to disclose a black water tank that’s straightforward to empty, with water popping out of only one gap (most water tanks are messier).
The small show is vibrant, and there’s a very good vary of modes, together with laundry. A wise management function remembers your house’s humidity ranges and kicks in solely when the degrees begin to rise: in a house that doesn’t have main damp issues, this can save a variety of electrical energy. It may be managed by way of an app, and it additionally comes with an activated carbon filter for eradicating undesirable smells.
Efficiency was good, bringing relative humidity down by 4% in a short while, and its capability and sensible controls make it a fantastic all-rounder. You’ll be able to merely go away it switched on and belief it to handle your house’s humidity ranges with out losing electrical energy. The Ebac’s sound was inoffensive, too: I may positively sleep with it on. It’s fairly vitality environment friendly and it’s made in north-east England, so its carbon footprint is decrease than another fashions. It additionally comes with a four-year guarantee if purchased straight from the model.
It’s a disgrace that … there’s no window to examine the fill degree.
Dimensions: 34 x 27 x 54cm (WDH)Day by day extraction charge: 18lTank capability: 3.5lPeak energy use on check: 180W Common noise degree on high setting: 10dBTarget humidity vary: 35-80% Laundry setting? YesRunning prices: 5p/hour
Finest finances dehumidifier:VonHaus sensible dehumidifier with laundry mode
On the time of writing, a reduction code brings this dehumidifier’s value right down to lower than £150. Even at full value, although, it’s a cut price.
Why we love itAlongside a laundry mode, there’s a sleep mode, which introduced down quantity ranges from an already quiet 15dB to 10dB by slowing the fan pace, and turns off the display screen so the lights gained’t disturb you.
Different modes embody auto, which turns the machine off when it reaches the goal relative humidity, and steady, which suggests it gained’t flip off till the tank is full. An app allows you to management it out of your cellphone or with Google House or Amazon Alexa. Easy colored lights on the entrance give a visible indicator of what mode it’s in.
It’s a fantastic all-rounder for the value. On check, it began reducing humidity ranges inside minutes, and over a few hours, it introduced relative humidity down by a minimum of 5%, pulling 450ml of water out of the air. It’s good for drying laundry and tackling damp – the one nook reduce, compared with pricier fashions, is Hepa air filtration.
Should you’re unsure whether or not or to not put money into a dehumidifier, it is a good purchase for the value.
It’s a disgrace that … it solely has a washable mud filter, not Hepa air purification, although there seems to be to be sufficient room for a bigger filter.
Dimensions: 31 x 24 x 49cm (WDH)Day by day extraction charge: 20lTank capability: 4.5lPeak energy use on check: 290WAverage noise degree on high setting: 15dBTarget humidity vary: 30-80% Laundry setting? YesRunning prices: 8p/hour
Finest mixed dehumidifier and air air purifier:Devola Platinum Hybrid DVHA20L
Kill two birds with one stone with this new hybrid mannequin that guarantees cleaner in addition to drier air. It comes with a Hepa filter (for filtering the air), an ioniser (for pulling mud out of the air) and an ultraviolet lamp (for killing germs).
Why we love itSeveral fashions on check include Hepa filters, however what units this mannequin aside is that it measures air high quality too: merely press a button to get a visitors mild measure of PM2.5 particles (inexperienced, blue or purple mild, relying in your air high quality). Air air pollution is a silent killer, and indoor air high quality will be worse than out of doors, so filtering these positive particles is an excellent concept in the event you don’t have already got an air air purifier.
Dehumidifier modes embody laundry and evening (quieter at 20dB), and the flap on the highest is motorised, so it opens robotically and will be set to “swing” to flow into air.
It was nice with the ability to see the air high quality enhance, in addition to the humidity. The Devola is nicely designed, too: the water tank is accessed from the facet and its deal with doubles as a visible degree indicator. And I discovered the tank straightforward to empty with out making a multitude.
It’s a disgrace that … it’s not quieter. Hepa filters will want changing periodically, too (Devola suggests each six months, so finances about £15 a yr).
Dimensions: 36 x 27 x 57cm (WDH)Day by day extraction charge: 20lTank capability: 2.9lPeak energy use on check: 330WAverage noise degree on high setting: 30dBTarget humidity vary: 40-80% Laundry setting? YesRunning prices: 9p/hour
Finest dehumidifier for drying laundry:Duux Bora Good
It is a handsome dehumidifier, with clear strains. The water drawer on the entrance has a helpful visible indicator, so you may see at a look how full it’s.
It options wifi and app management so as to set schedules, and an activated carbon filter works to take away odours, gases and smoke.
Why we love itI liked the four-hour laundry mode: it decreased relative humidity by 5% within the first 5 minutes, swiftly drying garments. And also you’ll be capable to sleep close by, because the Duux is Quiet Mark licensed for its ultra-quiet operation. The evening mode turns off the lights, though I needed to flip down the fan pace myself – and in my assessments it then reached an impressively low common of beneath 10dB, a lot quieter than the producer’s claims. It appears like a fan with a bit little bit of fridge sound thrown in, however quieter.
I additionally like that it makes use of the environmentally pleasant R290 refrigerant, which has a low international warming potential (GWP). In actual fact, its GWP is simply triple that of carbon dioxide, whereas some refrigerants have a GWP that’s tons of of instances that of CO2 (and a few refrigerants now banned from sale have GWPs of 1000’s).
It’s a disgrace that … it doesn’t supply Hepa air purification at this value.
Dimensions: 32 x 24 x 51cm (WDH)Day by day extraction charge: 20lTank capability: 4lPeak energy use on check: 270W Common noise degree on high setting: 20dBTarget humidity vary: 30-80percentLaundry setting? YesRunning prices: 7p/hour
Finest quiet dehumidifier:MeacoDry Arete Two
You’d count on the successor to the favored Arete One to be spectacular, and this doesn’t disappoint. It’s not only a dehumidifier – it additionally purifies the air, because of the included mud and medical-grade H13 Hepa filters.
Why we love itThe Arete Two will be managed by way of a smartphone app or voice management by way of Google House or Amazon Alexa. Modes embody steady, sensible (which goals for a middle-of-the-road 55% humidity) and laundry. The louvre on high opens manually and will be directed at your washing.
Its show is barely uncommon: moderately than a quantity, it reveals a sliding scale of humidity ranges, providing you with a transparent visible indication of the present humidity and your goal. The interface is intuitive, nevertheless, and there aren’t too many buttons.
The five-year guarantee is the longest I’ve seen for a dehumidifier. However most of all, I used to be impressed by the quiet. The common noise was simply 5dB, and this went right down to 4dB (significantly quieter than the producer’s claimed noise degree) in evening mode. You’ll be able to truthfully neglect that it’s on.
It additionally has some considerate options. For instance, in the event you go away it plugged in however not switched on, it should say “moist” on display screen to provide you with a warning when it detects a relative humidity of 70% plus.
You may also select your kind of air filtration while you purchase refills (£39.99 for a pack of three). Substitute the Hepa filter in case you have allergic reactions or pets; swap for an activated charcoal filter in the event you’d want to take away cooking smells, smoke and VOCs (chemical substances that come off new furnishings, paint, carpets and so forth).
It’s a disgrace that … the louvre isn’t motorised, contemplating the value.
Dimensions: 37 x 27 x 62cm (WDH)Day by day extraction charge: 20lTank capability: 4.8lPeak energy use on check: 230WAverage noise degree on high setting: 5dBTarget humidity vary: 40-70percentLaundry setting? YesRunning prices: 6p/hour
Finest compact dehumidifier:Devola DVH12L
Compared with the opposite smaller (12-litre capability) fashions on check, this extracted probably the most water from the air. It eliminated 200ml, lowering relative humidity by 5% in a short while. It additionally seems to be good.
Why we love itPerformance is spectacular for a small dehumidifier. And it’s particularly spectacular contemplating it comes with a Hepa filter for air purification, which is sure to gradual airflow for dehumidification.
It was fairly quiet and gave the impression of a fan. I may positively sleep by means of its 5dB on low fan mode.
Bought sufficient area for a bigger mannequin? For under a bit extra, you should purchase the bigger Devola DVHA20L above, which encompasses a built-in PM2.5 air high quality monitor, so you may see the affect it’s having on air high quality.
It’s a disgrace that … the rear tank doesn’t have a visible indicator, so you may’t inform how full it’s with out pulling it out.
Dimensions: 30 x 23 x 47cm (WDH)Day by day extraction charge: 12lTank capability: 2.7lPeak energy use on check: 180WAverage noise degree on high setting: 10dBTarget humidity vary: 30-80percentLaundry setting? YesRunning prices: 5p/hour
The most effective of the remaining
Swan low-energy dehumidifier
Finest for: seems to be
The Swan’s design is as elegant as its feathery namesake. It’s additionally a contender for greatest cut price when decreased.
It didn’t make the ultimate reduce as a result of … the highly effective upwards fan and motorised flap make it nice for drying laundry, however there’s no laundry mode, and the minimal goal for relative humidity is 40% (many fashions go right down to 30% and laundry mode is invariably 35% with a timer).
You’ll be able to nonetheless dry laundry by selecting 40% and setting a timer, nevertheless it looks like an oversight.
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Dimensions: 33 x 22 x 57cm (WDH); day by day extraction charge: 20l; tank capability: 4l; peak energy use on check: 330W; common noise degree on high setting: 30dB; goal humidity vary: 40-80%; laundry setting? No; operating prices: 9p/hour
Meaco DD8L
Finest for: a storage or shed
It is a desiccant dehumidifier, moderately than a condenser dehumidifier just like the others right here (see the information beneath for extra data on the differing types). As such, it makes use of extra electrical energy however can be utilized in colder areas, working as little as 1C: excellent for a storage or shed. This one options an ioniser that helps reduce airborne mud, and it’s compact, mild and straightforward to hold. On check, it carried out nicely, reducing relative humidity by 10% however elevating the temperature barely.
It didn’t make the ultimate reduce as a result of … it’s good for garages, however because it makes use of twice as a lot electrical energy as condenser dehumidifiers, I wouldn’t use it within the house. It doesn’t show the humidity degree, both.
Dimensions: 36 x 20 x 55cm (WDH); day by day extraction charge: 8l; tank capability: 2l; peak energy use on check: 690W; common noise degree on high setting: 40dB; goal humidity vary: 40-60%; laundry setting? Sure; operating prices: 18p/hour
ProBreeze Dehumidifier with Max Extraction and Laundry Mode
Finest for: highly effective drying
On the time of writing, the ProBreeze web site had a reduction code that introduced this dehumidifier’s value down by £30, making it a cut price for such a workhorse. In my assessments, it extracted moisture powerfully, bringing relative humidity down by greater than 10% in a few hours. For £10 further, you will get a model with sensible app management.
It didn’t make the ultimate reduce as a result of … it makes use of numerous electrical energy, even on low energy mode. And though it was pretty quiet (15dB on low fan mode), there was an annoying low hum in addition to the fan noise.
Dimensions: 32 x 20 x 58cm (WDH); day by day extraction charge: 20l; tank capability: 5.5l; peak energy use on check: 360W; common noise degree on high setting: 20dB; goal humidity vary: 30-80%; laundry setting? Sure; operating prices: 9p/hour
Devola DV12L
Finest for: intelligent design
I favored the way in which this inexpensive dehumidifier seemed, and liked the little notch on the high of the rear water tank. It signifies that, when dry, you may stow the ability cable in there, making this a simple machine to retailer.
A lightweight-up ring on the entrance signifies relative humidity at a look: inexperienced for good, purple for too humid, blue for too dry.
It didn’t make the ultimate reduce as a result of … I most popular the newer Devola DVH12L, which additionally has a Hepa filter for air purification.
Dimensions: 26 x 22 x 47cm (WDH); day by day extraction charge: 12l; tank capability: 2l; peak energy use on check: 180W; common noise degree on high setting: 25dB; goal humidity vary: 30-80%; laundry setting? Sure; operating prices: 5p/hour
Honeywell TP Match
Finest for: the smallest dehumidifier
This was the smallest on check, so it could possibly be price contemplating in the event you solely wish to use it sometimes and must stow it away more often than not. The mud filter is washable, and whereas there’s no true sleep mode (there’s one which dims the lights, nevertheless it doesn’t scale back noise), a lot of the lights flip off after a minute, and it’s not too loud.
The consolation mode targets a relative humidity based mostly on the temperature, and its entrance water drawer offers a visible indication. I additionally like that it makes use of the environmentally pleasant R290 refrigerant, which has a low GWP.
It didn’t make the ultimate reduce as a result of … it didn’t scale back humidity as a lot as some, accumulating simply 150ml in a single day. Additionally, unusually, I spilled some water when carrying it after testing.
Dimensions: 28 x 24 x 39cm (WDH); day by day extraction charge: 12l; tank capability: 2.5l; peak energy use on check: 180W; common noise degree on high setting: 20dB; goal humidity vary: 30-90%; laundry setting? Sure; operating prices: 5p/hour
Meaco 12 LE
Finest for: compact air purification
This has glorious options, together with top-notch air filtration and a three-year guarantee from some retailers. Like its large sibling, the MeacoDry Arete Two (above), it purifies the air because of an included medical-grade H13 Hepa filter and dirt filter. The Hepa filter is non-obligatory, and it’ll want changing (about each three months) if you wish to use it. Finances £40 a yr for refills.
It didn’t make the ultimate reduce as a result of … you may’t see whether or not the air purification is working. For under a bit extra, you should purchase the bigger Devola DVHA20L, which encompasses a built-in PM2.5 air high quality monitor. I additionally didn’t just like the seems to be, discovering the inexperienced and white a bit medical.
Dimensions: 32 x 24 x 49cm (WDH); day by day extraction charge: 12l; tank capability: 2.5l; peak energy use on check: 200W; common noise degree on high setting: 20dB; goal humidity vary: 30-80%; laundry setting? Sure; operating prices: 5p/hour
Blyss Madden WDH-316DB
Finest for: straightforward carrying
This has a day by day extraction charge of 16 litres, which isn’t the weediest however is among the smaller fashions on check. It has a easy deal with throughout the total width that’s nicely balanced. Should you discover it troublesome to hold heavy gadgets up and down stairs, select a smaller mannequin like this.
I favored the show, with relative humidity and temperature proven inside a cartoon home. And there’s a fan swing operate that helps with drying laundry.
It didn’t make the ultimate reduce as a result of … there’s no sleep operate, though it’s pretty quiet.
Dimensions: 30 x 19 x 47cm (WDH); day by day extraction charge: 16l; tank capability: 2.4l; peak energy use on check: 230W; common noise degree on high setting: 20dB; goal humidity vary: 50-70%; laundry setting? Sure; operating prices: 6p/hour
Black+Decker BXEH60014GB
Finest for: sensible controls
I favored the Black+Decker’s design, from the colored mild on the high that signifies humidity (purple for top, inexperienced for good, blue for low) to the massive, white digits on its entrance that let you know the exact relative humidity.
These quick-glance shows work nicely when it’s paired with the app, so you may management it from afar. You’ll be able to even add Google House and Amazon Alexa voice controls. I may use my cellphone as a distant management from wherever within the house to test on progress – uncommon for a dehumidifier at this value level.
It didn’t make the ultimate reduce as a result of … the machine was loud at instances (though the sleep setting averaged 17dB).
Dimensions: 34 x 24 x 57cm (WDH); day by day extraction charge: 20l; tank capability: 6.5l; peak energy use on check: 395W; common noise degree on high setting: 20dB; goal humidity vary: 30-80%; laundry setting? Sure; operating prices: 10p/hour
What you’ll want to know
What’s relative humidity?
Relative humidity is the share of water vapour within the air in contrast with the utmost that the air can maintain.
Heat air can maintain extra water vapour than chilly air. So if the quantity of water within the air stays the identical however the temperature drops, relative humidity will increase.
When relative humidity hits 100%, the air is totally saturated, and water condenses on surfaces, like how dew condenses on cool morning grass.
What humidity ought to I purpose for?
All of the dehumidifiers examined right here measure the relative humidity (a share) and allow you to set a goal.
If the air is just too humid, it feels muggy, and it’s laborious for sweat to chill you on a scorching day. If the air is just too dry, it will possibly result in issues similar to dry eyes and throats.
In your well being and your house, the perfect relative humidity is 40-60% in summer season and 30-50% in winter.
Do I want a dehumidifier?
You would possibly profit from a dehumidifier in case you have damp and mildew issues. Humidity helps mould and dirt mites flourish – and so they, in flip, can set off bronchial asthma and allergic reactions.
One other profit is to dry laundry quick. Use a dehumidifier to drag moisture out of the air, then garments within the room dry a lot sooner and with out inflicting damp issues similar to condensation on home windows or partitions.
Dehumidifiers are additionally good for particular makes use of, similar to drying paint or plaster sooner, or serving to a room dry out after flooding.
If doubtful, use an inexpensive hygrometer to test your house’s relative humidity and make an knowledgeable resolution.
What are the several types of dehumidifier?
Many of the dehumidifiers examined listed below are compressor dehumidifiers, so that they work a bit like a fridge, compressing after which increasing a refrigerant to chill a metallic coil. Water from the air then condenses on the coil and drains off right into a water tank. These are often the most effective model of dehumidifier for the house.
Don’t throw away the plastic tube in the event you discover one within the field. Some fashions include a drain hose – so you may always dry moderately than stopping when the tank is full. Different fashions allow you to add a hose in the event you want it (however most individuals don’t use them, which is why they’re not all the time included).
I examined one desiccant dehumidifier. These excel in chilly environments, similar to garages, cellars and outbuildings. It’s because they work by utilizing moisture-absorbing supplies that don’t depend on temperature to take away humidity. Nevertheless, they use extra electrical energy to take action. They don’t require refills (not one of the models featured right here want refills for dehumidification – the one ongoing price aside from electrical energy is that some have Hepa air filters that want changing each three to 6 months).
Peltier dehumidifiers are small and quiet, however they’re not very efficient and so they use extra vitality, so we haven’t featured any on this roundup.
What dimension dehumidifier do I want?
The bigger (20l a day) fashions examined listed below are good for bigger properties and open-plan areas. You’ll be able to put them someplace central to sort out humidity in the entire house.
The smaller (12l a day) fashions are very talked-about and higher for smaller properties or single duties, similar to drying laundry. Nevertheless, in case you have persistent damp issues, then it could possibly be price sizing up.
You’ll be able to add a hose to most dehumidifiers if you wish to maintain them in fixed use with out having to empty the tank.
How a lot does a dehumidifier price to run?
I measured every dehumidifier’s energy use on the highest setting, in watts (W). Electrical energy prices are in kilowatt hours (kWh). For instance, in the event you’re operating a 200W dehumidifier for 4 hours, it could use 800Wh or 0.8kWh.
The vitality value cap for 1 October to 31 December 2025 is 26.35p a kWh. Multiply this by the final determine and also you’ll uncover it prices 21p to run the dehumidifier for 4 hours.
This compares favourably with a tumble dryer. One load in a standard mannequin makes use of about 4.5kWh (£1.19), though an energy-saving warmth pump mannequin makes use of half that. Both approach, it’s less expensive to run a dehumidifier than both kind of tumble dryer.
What’s a laundry mode?
Many dehumidifiers have a laundry mode that goals for a low relative humidity of 35%, with a timer that turns off robotically, sometimes after six hours.
To dry laundry successfully, grasp it in a room, activate the dehumidifier and shut the doorways. That approach, it’s drying the air (and dashing the laundry drying) with out having to dry moister air that is available in from the surface world.
For extra, learn the Filter’s guides: The most effective heated airers, examined The most effective electrical heaters The most effective electrical blankets to maintain you toasty for much less
Caramel Quin is a journalist specialising in client expertise. She prides herself on real-world testing and plain language. Her pet hates are jargon, pointless merchandise and overcomplicated instruction manuals. Caramel is an engineering graduate who has gained awards for speaking hi-tech topics to regular folks. When she’s not testing devices, she’s feeding pets (16 beasts on the time of writing) or pottering on the allotment
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