With changing seasons comes dry air that causes cracked lips, itchy skin, and throat irritation. To prevent these, you must moisten the air in your home, car, and office. Humidifiers are your best option for this.
They moisturise your immediate environment and relieve symptoms related to health conditions such as colds, flu, and allergies. Here's our evaluation of the best humidifiers to help you deal with dry air this season.
Our Top Picks
From our selection of the top seven humidifiers available in Australia, here are our top three recommendations:
Arovec AroMist-TF4 Humidifier
Best overall humidifier with a 4-litre capacity, 30 hours runtime, LED touch panel, and auto shut-off for room space of up to 30m².
ASAKUKI Humidifier & Diffuser
Best humidifier and oil diffuser with a 4-litre capacity, 40 hours runtime, and a built-in humidity sensor for up to 30m² room space.
Levoit Dual 200S Humidifier
Best humidifier for bedrooms with a 3-litre capacity, 25 hours runtime, LED display, and voice and app connectivity for up to 27m² bedroom space.
Top 7 Humidifiers for Australian Homes and Offices
Our evaluation of the best humidifiers in Australia considered the following factors: performance efficiency, ease of use, energy consumption, noise levels, water tank capacity, additional features, and overall value for money.
1. Arovec AroMist-TF4 Ultrasonic Humidifier
Best Overall Humidifier
Runtime: 30 hours
Operation mode: Ultrasonic
Capacity: up to 30m²
Our pick for the overall best humidifier in Australia is the Arovec AroMist TF4. It has a 4-litre capacity and 30 hours of runtime, making it a handful for home or office use. It's also a 2-in-1 device, i.e., it doubles as a humidifier and an aroma diffuser with aromatherapy features. For efficient humidification, the appliance has a 360° rotatable nozzle to fill the entire room with moisture.
The design of the Arovec AroMist-TF4 Ultrasonic Humidifier is smart and easy to clean with a detachable water tank. It has an advanced leak-proof dual sealing system, a mist operation with three ultrasonic levels, and smart controls. It also features a visible water level, LED touch panel, timer, water shortage indicator, night light, and shut-off functionalities.
With a simple touch, you can switch the humidifier to sleep mode, a super quiet mode that turns off all display lights. This offers a quiet and peaceful sleep with the device on. On purchase, it comes with a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- Large volume and long runtime
- 2-in-1 design as humidifier and diffuser
- LED touch panel
- 360° rotating nozzle
- Detachable water tank
Cons
- Warm mist not very functional
2. ASAKUKI Cool Mist Humidifier & Oil Diffuser
Best Humidifier With Diffuser
Runtime: 40 hours
Operation mode: Ultrasonic
Capacity: up to 30m²
The ASAKUKI cool mist humidifier has 3 levels for the mist output and a humidity percentage controller. Its capacity of up to 30m² is only similar to that of the Arovec AroMist-TF4. But while the latter has a runtime of up to 30 hours, the ASAKUKI humidifier has 40 hours for longer humidity control. Thus, it's ideal for any part of the home, even the greenhouse for plants.
ASAKUKI's humidifier has a built-in humidity sensor that automatically detects the humidity level to suit your preferred level between 45% and 80% humidity. Light sleepers need not worry as the smart sleep mode switches to a low-noise operation with the screen and lights turned off. It has a wide-open and detachable mist tube that allows deep cleaning. You can also refill the device without removing the top lid to prevent spills.
The ASAKUKI cool mist humidifier has diffuser functions with its aromatherapy box. The humidifier is remotely controllable and includes a detachable power cord, making it easy to move or store. Use your local time to set the humidification levels while you sleep; it will automatically shut off when the time is up.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Humidity level control
- Comes with an aromatherapy box
- Timer and remote control
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- No auto turn-off
- Can be a bit noisy
3. Levoit Dual 200S Humidifier
Best Humidifier for Bedrooms
Runtime: 25 hours
Operation mode: Ultrasonic
Capacity: up to 27m²
The Levoit Dual 200S Humidifier can truly enhance your sleeping space, providing a comfortable and healthy environment. It has a 3-litre capacity that is perfect for continuous use throughout the night, offering up to 25 hours of mist to meet the toughest humidity needs. Its top-fill design is incredibly easy to clean and refill, ensuring a hassle-free experience, even from your bed.
Still on convenience, the humidifier includes smart control functionality. Through the VeSync app, you can set schedules and control the humidifier remotely. You also get integration with voice assistants like Alexa. Likewise, Levoit's Auto Mode, powered by an intelligent sensor, automatically adjusts the mist level based on the surrounding humidity. This feature ensures the right humidity environment and contributes to energy efficiency in your sleep.
The Levoit Dual 200S has an LED display with an arrow indicating the mist direction, which aligns perfectly with the base's indicator line. This, combined with its three mist level options, makes the device easy to use.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Doubles as an essential oil diffuser
- Smart app connectivity
- Top-fill design
- Auto shut-off
Cons
- Relatively pricey
4. EZONEDEAL Car Humidifier
Best Humidifier for Cars
Runtime: 2 hours
Operation mode: Ultrasonic
Power source: DC jack swivel
The best smart humidifier and aroma diffuser for your car is the EZONEDEAL Car Humidifier. It works with the DC jacket swivel of your car, keeping the air moistened and lovely. You only need to fill it with water, add 1 or 2 drops of essential oils, and plug it into the swivel jacket.
The car humidifier rotates at 180° degrees, keeping your vehicle's main parts well moisturized. It has a water capacity is 50 ml, which is enough to keep the air in your vehicle moisturised and your ride comforting. It also produces mist at 25 ml per hour. Thus, finishing its volume of 50 ml in two hours.
After a continuous 2 hours of work, the humidifier automatically shuts off. You can switch it back on with the touch of a button, and it will start the 2-hour count again. But ensure to top up the water in the bottle. Always use clean water and keep the essential oil drop off at most two to avoid blockage.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Doubles as humidifier and diffuser
- 50 ml water capacity
- 180° rotation
Cons
- Only suitable for cars
- Less volume for big vehicles
5. AVITONG Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Best Humidifier for Small Rooms
Runtime: 5 hours
Operation mode: Ultrasonic
Control levels: 2
To rapidly eliminate dry air in your home or office, get the AVITONG Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier. It has a quick mist technology that moisturises rapidly for 5 hours continuously. The mist nozzle can rotate in all directions, making it very effective. It offers variation in operation with two mist modes; high and low. But with a water capacity is 1500 ml, it is only ideal for small to medium-sized rooms, such as offices and study rooms.
The AVITONG Cool Mist Humidifier is also slightly quieter. To conserve energy, the appliance automatically turns off when the water level is low. And for a soothing night driving experience, it has a 7-colour night light you can change by double-clicking the power button. On purchase, you get, in addition to the device, an AC power adapter, disk cleaning brush, user manual, and a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Quick moisturising
- 360° nozzle rotation
- Optional night light
- Auto shut off when the water level drops
- 2 operational modes
Cons
- Only suitable for small rooms
- Small water capacity
6. Ultrasonic Wooden Air Humidifier
Best Wooden Design Humidifier
Runtime: 30 hours
Operation mode: Ultrasonic
Capacity: up to 20m²
For the love of aesthetics, the best wooden design pick is the Ultrasonic Wooden Design air humidifier. Like others on this list, it doubles as a diffuser with an aromatherapy function. The humidifier has a water capacity of up to 130 ml, the smallest on our list besides the EZONEDEAL Car Humidifier. It is ideal for small rooms and instantaneous misting for kids' rooms.
The stylish natural wood finish of the humidifier makes it a great addition to your space, be it a yoga room, hotel reception, or office. It is super quiet and has a room capacity of 20m². On purchase, you get to choose between two colour options. The device also comes with a 95 cm USB cable for power. At night it has a night light in multiple colours for comforting sleep.
Pros
- Attractive wooden finish
- Kids-friendly design
- Perfect for small spaces
- Super quiet operation
Cons
- Doesn't use tap water
- Low capacity
7. Living Today Portable Humidifier
Best Budget Humidifier
Runtime: 6 hours
Operation mode: Ultrasonic
Power source: Corded electric (USB)
This portable mini humidifier costs less than $19 on Amazon, making it the best price on our list. It is excellent for large car spaces where the best pick for cars may be too small. It is powered via a USB, making it easy to use with power adapters. The water capacity is 300 ml with a 30-45 ml spray volume per hour.
The humidifier is very quiet for use in small rooms or offices with less than 30dB noise level. It has a large opening top that makes filling and cleaning easy. When the water level is low, the humidifier automatically shuts down. It also features two working modes; the continuous spraying mode shuts off after 4 hours, and the intermittent spraying mode shuts off after 6 hours.
Pros
- Portable
- 2 working modes
- Auto shuts down
- Low noise of less than 30dB
Cons
- Low water capacity
Humidifier Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best for You
You should consider four main things before buying a humidifier in Australia.
#1. Humidifier Type
There are four types of humidifiers. They include evaporative hot mist, evaporative cool mist, ultrasonic, and air washers.
Warm mist humidifiers heat water to produce a mellow mist, while the cool mist types use cold water tanks to release cool steam into the air. They all use a fan that runs pretty much constantly.
This guide majorly highlights ultrasonic humidifiers. These modern humidifiers use ultrasonic vibrations to produce cool or warm mist from the water in their containers. If noise is your main concern, then an ultrasonic humidifier is the best choice, as it does not need a fan
Air washers are the most complicated. They draw in air, remove dust, clean the air, and release it back into the environment, they combine an air purifier and an air humidifier in one unit.
Mark Thompson
#2. Capacity and Coverage
There is a direct relationship between the water capacity and the coverage capacity of humidifiers. Get enough capacity depending on where you intend to use the device. Humidifiers with a high water capacity of about 4000 ml last longer and can cover up to 35 m² of space. Measure the room size where you intend to use the humidifier to help you pick a good fit.
#3. Cleaning and Safety
To avoid mould and bacteria infestation, cleaning the humidifier is important. Choose a humidifier that is easy to clean and maintain and ensure to read all safety precautions around its usage before your first use. Though beneficial, they can worsen respiratory problems and introduce other health conditions when not cleaned properly or used appropriately.
#4. Sound and Temperature
The final essential factor to consider is the noise level of the humidifier. Especially for rooms and office spaces, it is ideal to have very quiet humidifiers. This is especially important to concentrate on work or get a good sleep. Also, consider the humidifier temperature. Hot mist types will raise your room temperature, while cool mist may reduce it slightly.
Humidifiers vs. Air Purifiers: What's the Difference?
Humidifiers are not to be confused with air purifiers. Air purifiers do not add any moisture to the air, and humidifiers do not clean the air. Humidifiers are only responsible for improving the moisture in the air to avoid irritation and health hazards associated with dry air.
They add water to the air in the form of steam through vibrating droplets with ultrasonic technology or evaporation through a fan and wick.
Air purifiers, on the other hand, clean the air in the immediate environment they are placed. They remove allergens and pollutants that bring adverse health effects. At their core is a fan and filtration technology that traps the air in a room, filters or purifies it, and emits the clean air back into the atmosphere.
Mark Thompson
Summary
Finding the best humidifier requires evaluating factors such as room size, humidity levels, and personal preferences. Each humidifier on the market offers unique features, making it crucial for you to identify their specific needs before making a purchase.
From ultrasonic to evaporative humidifiers, the Australian market has diverse options to cater to different requirements. We hope that this guide helps you shortlist the best humidifiers to choose from. Investing in a high-quality humidifier enhances indoor comfort, alleviates health issues, and creates a healthier living environment for you and your family.
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