You don’t must reside within the American deep south to really feel the results of humidity. At dwelling, simply respiration makes the air extra humid, not to mention cooking or showering.
And when it will get too humid, it’s unhealthy for our well being in addition to our properties. In reality, the 2 are related: 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 setting extra comfy by lowering the quantity of moisture within the air. Due to this, they’re additionally an excellent laundry-drying hack. I exploit mine to dry garments quick, and for a fraction of the price of tumble drying.
Undecided for those who want one? You should buy a hygrometer cheaply – the one I used for testing price lower than £10 – to examine your property’s relative humidity and make an knowledgeable resolution. Do you have to choose to purchase one, do your analysis at respected sources (like, trace, the Filter). Researching this piece, I used to be shocked to be taught that clients had been duped into shopping for very primary dehumidifiers for properly over the chances.
At a look
Why you need to belief me
I’m an award-winning client expertise journalist with a long time of expertise testing electrical home equipment; I’ve been reviewing devices for nearly 30 years. I reside in a terrace home with a beautiful 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 identified 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 due to this fact 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 dwelling, in constant circumstances, so that they typically differ from producers’ official figures, that are measured in lab circumstances however in inconsistent methods. Extra subjectively, I paid consideration to the standard of the sound – was it annoying, gurgly, arduous 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 could be roughly the identical elsewhere within the room), and a thermometer to examine the temperature. Dehumidifiers fill a tank with water they’ve extracted from the air, so one measure of how good a job they’ve completed is to measure how a lot water is in there – which I did, utilizing a jug.
As a result of circumstances range from second to second and room to room, it was not possible to check every one in exactly the identical circumstances. As such, I’ve solely talked about the outcomes of those not-so-scientific assessments once 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 through which ladies and youngsters are positioned after surviving home abuse.
The perfect dehumidifiers in 2025
Finest dehumidifier general:
Ebac 4650e
That is the priciest dehumidifier on take a look at, 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 whenever you wish to retailer it.
Why we adore it
I 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 an excellent vary of modes, together with laundry. A wise management characteristic remembers your property’s humidity ranges and kicks in solely when the degrees begin to rise: in a house that doesn’t have main damp issues, it will save loads 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 good controls make it an excellent all-rounder. You’ll be able to merely go away it switched on and belief it to handle your property’s humidity ranges with out losing electrical energy. The Ebac’s sound was inoffensive, too: I may undoubtedly 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 immediately 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 price: 18l
Tank capability: 3.5l
Peak energy use on take a look at: 180W
Common noise degree on high setting: 10dB
Goal humidity vary: 35-80%
Laundry setting? Sure
Operating prices: 5p/hour
Finest price range dehumidifier:
VonHaus good dehumidifier with laundry mode
On the time of writing, a reduction code brings this dehumidifier’s value all the way down to lower than £150. Even at full value, although, it’s a discount.
Why we adore it
Alongside a laundry mode, there’s a sleep mode, which introduced down quantity ranges from an already quiet 15dB to 10dB by slowing the fan velocity, and turns off the display so the lights received’t disturb you.
Different modes embody auto, which turns the machine off when it reaches the goal relative humidity, and steady, which implies it received’t flip off till the tank is full. An app enables 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 an excellent all-rounder for the worth. On take a look at, it began chopping humidity ranges inside minutes, and over a few hours, it introduced relative humidity down by no less than 5%, pulling 450ml of water out of the air. It’s good for drying laundry and tackling damp – the one nook lower, in comparison with pricier fashions, is Hepa air filtration.
In case you’re undecided whether or not or to not spend money on a dehumidifier, it is a good purchase for the worth.
It’s a disgrace that … it solely has a washable mud filter, not Hepa air purification, although there appears to be like to be sufficient room for a bigger filter.
Dimensions: 31 x 24 x 49cm (WDH)
Day by day extraction price: 20l
Tank capability: 4.5l
Peak energy use on take a look at: 290W
Common noise degree on high setting: 15dB
Goal humidity vary: 30-80%
Laundry setting? Sure
Operating 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 adore it
A number of fashions on take a look at 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 gentle measure of PM2.5 particles (inexperienced, blue or pink gentle, relying in your air high quality). Air air pollution is a silent killer, and indoor air high quality will be worse than outside, so filtering these high quality particles is an excellent concept for those who 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 properly designed, too: the water tank is accessed from the aspect and its deal with doubles as a visible degree indicator. And I discovered the tank straightforward to empty with out making a large number.
It’s a disgrace that … it’s not quieter. Hepa filters will want changing periodically, too (Devola suggests each six months, so price range about £15 a yr).
Dimensions: 36 x 27 x 57cm (WDH)
Day by day extraction price: 20l
Tank capability: 2.9l
Peak energy use on take a look at: 330W
Common noise degree on high setting: 30dB
Goal humidity vary: 40-80%
Laundry setting? Sure
Operating prices: 9p/hour
Finest dehumidifier for drying laundry:
Duux Bora Good
This can be a handsome dehumidifier, with clear traces. The water drawer on the entrance has a helpful visible indicator, so you possibly can see at a look how full it’s.
It options wifi and app management in an effort to set schedules, and an activated carbon filter works to take away odours, gases and smoke.
Why we adore it
I cherished the four-hour laundry mode: it lowered relative humidity by 5% within the first 5 minutes, swiftly drying garments. And also you’ll be capable to sleep close by, for the reason that 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 velocity 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 slightly 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 reality, its GWP is barely triple that of carbon dioxide, whereas some refrigerants have a GWP that’s a whole bunch of instances that of CO2 (and a few refrigerants now banned from sale have GWPs of hundreds).
It’s a disgrace that … it doesn’t provide Hepa air purification at this value.
Dimensions: 32 x 24 x 51cm (WDH)
Day by day extraction price: 20l
Tank capability: 4l
Peak energy use on take a look at: 270W
Common noise degree on high setting: 20dB
Goal humidity vary: 30-80%
Laundry setting? Sure
Operating 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, due to the included mud and medical-grade H13 Hepa filters.
Why we adore it
The 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, good (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: fairly 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 all the way down to 4dB (significantly quieter than the producer’s claimed noise degree) in evening mode. You’ll be able to actually overlook that it’s on.
It additionally has some considerate options. For instance, for those who go away it plugged in however not switched on, it’s going to say “moist” on display to provide you with a warning when it detects a relative humidity of 70% plus.
It’s also possible to select your sort of air filtration whenever you purchase refills (£39.99 for a pack of three). Exchange the Hepa filter when you have allergic reactions or pets; swap for an activated charcoal filter for those who’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 worth.
Dimensions: 37 x 27 x 62cm (WDH)
Day by day extraction price: 20l
Tank capability: 4.8l
Peak energy use on take a look at: 230W
Common noise degree on high setting: 5dB
Goal humidity vary: 40-70%
Laundry setting? Sure
Operating prices: 6p/hour
Finest compact dehumidifier:
Devola DVH12L
Compared with the opposite smaller (12-litre capability) fashions on take a look at, this extracted essentially the most water from the air. It eliminated 200ml, lowering relative humidity by 5% in a short while. It additionally appears to be like good.
Why we adore it
Efficiency 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 seemed like a fan. I may undoubtedly sleep via its 5dB on low fan mode.
Acquired sufficient house for a bigger mannequin? For under slightly extra, you should purchase the bigger Devola DVHA20L above, which encompasses a built-in PM2.5 air high quality monitor, so you possibly can 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 possibly can’t inform how full it’s with out pulling it out.
Dimensions: 30 x 23 x 47cm (WDH)
Day by day extraction price: 12l
Tank capability: 2.7l
Peak energy use on take a look at: 180W
Common noise degree on high setting: 10dB
Goal humidity vary: 30-80%
Laundry setting? Sure
Operating prices: 5p/hour
The perfect of the remainder
Swan low-energy dehumidifier
Finest for: appears to be like
The Swan’s design is as elegant as its feathery namesake. It’s additionally a contender for finest discount when lowered.
It didn’t make the ultimate lower 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 all the way 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 as if an oversight.
after e-newsletter promotion
Dimensions: 33 x 22 x 57cm (WDH); each day extraction price: 20l; tank capability: 4l; peak energy use on take a look at: 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
This can be a desiccant dehumidifier, fairly than a condenser dehumidifier just like the others right here (see the information beneath for extra info on the different sorts). As such, it makes use of extra electrical energy however can be utilized in colder areas, working as little as 1C: good for a storage or shed. This one options an ioniser that helps lower airborne mud, and it’s compact, gentle and simple to hold. On take a look at, it carried out properly, chopping relative humidity by 10% however elevating the temperature barely.
It didn’t make the ultimate lower 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 dwelling. It doesn’t show the humidity degree, both.
Dimensions: 36 x 20 x 55cm (WDH); each day extraction price: 8l; tank capability: 2l; peak energy use on take a look at: 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 discount 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 additional, you may get a model with good app management.
It didn’t make the ultimate lower as a result of … it makes use of various 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); each day extraction price: 20l; tank capability: 5.5l; peak energy use on take a look at: 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 reasonably priced dehumidifier appeared, and cherished the little notch on the high of the rear water tank. It implies that, when dry, you possibly can stow the facility cable in there, making this a simple machine to retailer.
A light-weight-up ring on the entrance signifies relative humidity at a look: inexperienced for good, pink for too humid, blue for too dry.
It didn’t make the ultimate lower as a result of … I most well-liked the newer Devola DVH12L, which additionally has a Hepa filter for air purification.
Dimensions: 26 x 22 x 47cm (WDH); each day extraction price: 12l; tank capability: 2l; peak energy use on take a look at: 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 take a look at, so it could possibly be price contemplating for those who solely wish to use it often 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), many of the lights flip off after a minute, and it’s not too loud.
The consolation mode targets a relative humidity primarily based 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 lower as a result of … it didn’t scale back humidity as a lot as some, amassing simply 150ml in a single day. Additionally, unusually, I spilled some water when carrying it after testing.
Dimensions: 28 x 24 x 39cm (WDH); each day extraction price: 12l; tank capability: 2.5l; peak energy use on take a look at: 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 wonderful 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 due to an included medical-grade H13 Hepa filter and dirt filter. The Hepa filter is elective, and it’ll want changing (about each three months) if you wish to use it. Funds £40 a yr for refills.
It didn’t make the ultimate lower as a result of … you possibly can’t see whether or not the air purification is working. For under slightly 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 appears to be like, discovering the inexperienced and white a bit scientific.
Dimensions: 32 x 24 x 49cm (WDH); each day extraction price: 12l; tank capability: 2.5l; peak energy use on take a look at: 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 each day extraction price of 16 litres, which isn’t the weediest however is without doubt one of the smaller fashions on take a look at. It has a easy deal with throughout the total width that’s properly balanced. In case you discover it tough to hold heavy objects 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 perform that helps with drying laundry.
It didn’t make the ultimate lower as a result of … there’s no sleep perform, though it’s pretty quiet.
Dimensions: 30 x 19 x 47cm (WDH); each day extraction price: 16l; tank capability: 2.4l; peak energy use on take a look at: 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: good controls
I favored the Black+Decker’s design, from the colored gentle on the high that signifies humidity (pink for top, inexperienced for good, blue for low) to the big, white digits on its entrance that inform you the exact relative humidity.
These quick-glance shows work properly when it’s paired with the app, so you possibly can 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 anyplace within the dwelling to examine on progress – uncommon for a dehumidifier at this value level.
It didn’t make the ultimate lower as a result of … the machine was loud at instances (though the sleep setting averaged 17dB).
Dimensions: 34 x 24 x 57cm (WDH); each day extraction price: 20l; tank capability: 6.5l; peak energy use on take a look at: 395W; common noise degree on high setting: 20dB; goal humidity vary: 30-80%; laundry setting? Sure; operating prices: 10p/hour
What it’s essential 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 intention 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 simply too humid, it feels muggy, and it’s arduous for sweat to chill you on a scorching day. If the air is simply too dry, it will possibly result in issues comparable to dry eyes and throats.
On your well being and your property, the best 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 when 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 comparable to condensation on home windows or partitions.
Dehumidifiers are additionally good for particular makes use of, comparable to drying paint or plaster sooner, or serving to a room dry out after flooding.
If unsure, use an inexpensive hygrometer to examine your property’s relative humidity and make an knowledgeable resolution.
What are the various kinds 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 steel coil. Water from the air then condenses on the coil and drains off right into a water tank. These are normally the perfect model of dehumidifier for the house.
Don’t throw away the plastic tube for those who discover one within the field. Some fashions include a drain hose – so you possibly can continually dry fairly than stopping when the tank is full. Different fashions allow you to add a hose for those who want it (however most individuals don’t use them, which is why they’re not at all times included).
I examined one desiccant dehumidifier. These excel in chilly environments, comparable 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 dwelling.
The smaller (12l a day) fashions are very talked-about and higher for smaller properties or single duties, comparable to drying laundry. Nevertheless, when 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 preserve 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, for those who’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 conventional mannequin makes use of about 4.5kWh (£1.19), though an energy-saving warmth pump mannequin makes use of half that. Both manner, it’s less expensive to run a dehumidifier than both sort 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, usually after six hours.
To dry laundry successfully, cling it in a room, activate the dehumidifier and shut the doorways. That manner, it’s drying the air (and rushing 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:
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The perfect electrical heaters
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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 received awards for speaking hi-tech topics to regular individuals. When she’s not testing devices, she’s feeding pets (16 beasts on the time of writing) or pottering on the allotment
