Musty basement? These dehumidifiers pull out moisture and stop mold before it starts
Dehumidifiers protect your home from mold, mildew and musty smells. These are the best for basements, bedrooms and small spaces.
BuyWithVoltTop Pick2026Photo: Jason Leung / Unsplash, Unsplash License
Too much humidity makes a home feel clammy, invites mold and dust mites, and leaves basements smelling musty. A dehumidifier pulls moisture out of the air, and keeping indoor humidity between about 30% and 50% makes rooms more comfortable and protects your home.
We compared popular dehumidifiers on capacity, coverage, noise, drain options, Energy Star certification and price, and read owner feedback on reliability. These are the best.
Our top picks
-
Best dehumidifier overall
Midea Cube 50-Pint Dehumidifier
$250 at AmazonJump to details -
Best value
hOmeLabs 50-Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier
$230 at AmazonJump to details -
Best with built-in pump
Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump
$280 at AmazonJump to details -
Best for small spaces
Eva-dry Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier
$45 at AmazonJump to details
Prices at time of writing and may change. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links.
Best dehumidifier overall
The Midea Cube is a clever design: the bucket collapses for storage and expands when in use, so it's compact but holds a lot of water. It removes up to 50 pints a day, can drain continuously with a hose and connects to an app.
Owners like how quiet and small it is for its capacity. It's pricier than basic models.
Pros
- Compact, collapsible bucket
- Large capacity
- App control
Cons
- Pricier
- App setup can be fiddly
Specs
| Capacity | Up to 50 pints/day |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Up to about 4,500 sq ft |
| Continuous drain | Yes, hose |
| Energy Star | Yes |
Best value
hOmeLabs' 50-pint dehumidifier is a strong value: big capacity, Energy Star certification, continuous drain and auto restart after power outages. It's a common basement pick.
The bucket fills quickly in very damp spaces, so use a hose if you can. It's a bit loud on high.
Pros
- Great value
- Continuous drain
- Auto restart
Cons
- Louder on high
- Bucket fills quickly
Specs
| Capacity | Up to 50 pints/day |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Up to about 4,500 sq ft |
| Continuous drain | Yes, hose |
| Energy Star | Yes |
Best with built-in pump
A built-in pump lets this Frigidaire push water up to a sink or out a window, which is a big help in basements without a floor drain. It removes up to 50 pints a day and has an easy-to-read control panel.
It's heavier and pricier than models without a pump.
Pros
- Built-in pump
- High capacity
- Easy controls
Cons
- Heavy
- Pricier
Specs
| Capacity | Up to 50 pints/day |
|---|---|
| Pump | Yes |
| Continuous drain | Yes |
| Energy Star | Yes |
Best for small spaces
The Eva-dry Petite is a tiny thermoelectric dehumidifier for closets, small bathrooms and RVs. It's very quiet and inexpensive.
It removes only a small amount of water per day, so it won't handle a damp basement.
Pros
- Very quiet
- Compact
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Low capacity
- Small spaces only
Specs
| Capacity | Small (ounces per day) |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Up to about 1,100 cu ft |
| Continuous drain | No |
| Type | Thermoelectric |
Where to put a dehumidifier
Place it in the dampest area, usually a basement, laundry room or bathroom, with a few inches of space around it for airflow. Close windows and doors while it runs. Set the humidistat to around 45% to 50% and use continuous drain if you can, so you don't have to empty the bucket.
For year-round air quality, pair a dehumidifier with one of our best air purifiers, and switch to a humidifier when winter air gets too dry.
What to look for in a dehumidifier
- Capacity. 20 to 35 pints for small, moderately damp rooms; 50 pints for basements and large, very damp spaces.
- Drain options. Continuous drain or a built-in pump saves hassle.
- Energy Star. Dehumidifiers run for hours; efficiency matters.
- Noise. Check decibel ratings if it will run near bedrooms.
How we chose: we compared specs, materials, features and price, and read owner and expert feedback. We didn't test these products ourselves. Prices are approximate and change often, so check the current price before you buy.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying too small. An undersized unit runs constantly and never reaches the target humidity.
- Setting humidity too low. Below about 30% is uncomfortable and wastes energy. Aim for 45% to 50%.
- Ignoring the filter. Clean it every few weeks so airflow stays strong.
- Running it in a cold basement. Many units struggle below about 65°F. Check the operating range or look for low-temperature models.
- Blocking airflow. Keep a few inches of space around the unit and away from walls and curtains.
A cheap digital hygrometer helps you check whether the dehumidifier is actually working, and whether other rooms need help too. If humidity stays high despite a dehumidifier, look for leaks, poor drainage outside or a dryer vent that isn't venting outdoors.
In summer, a dehumidifier also helps an air conditioner work more efficiently, because drier air feels cooler at the same temperature.
Which one should you buy?
For most homes, the Midea Cube is the best mix of capacity and compact design. The hOmeLabs 50-pint is the value pick for basements. If there's no floor drain, the Frigidaire with a built-in pump saves you emptying buckets, and the Eva-dry Petite is perfect for closets and small bathrooms.
Frequently asked questions
What humidity level should my home be?
About 30% to 50%. Above 60% encourages mold and dust mites.
What size dehumidifier do I need?
Small damp rooms: 20 to 35 pints. Basements and large very damp spaces: 50 pints.
How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier?
It depends on size and hours; Energy Star models use noticeably less electricity.
