The best humidifiers in Canada: Ideal for winter months

A home with a humidity level between 30 and 50 per cent is a happy home. As the old adage goes. 

If you have too much humidity in your place, you can support the growth of dangerous mold. If you don’t have enough, you can be subjected to health issues, above and beyond dry and cracked skin. 

There are some obvious signs to determine where your home sits on the humidity scale. If you’re creating shocks when you touch things or people, your home is too dry. Get a humidifier. If there is condensation on the inside of your windows, your home is too humid. Get a dehumidifier. 

If you want to know more precisely what the humidity in your home is up to, you can measure it, with a hygrometer (which sounds like it should be expensive, but there are many options under $20, like Noklead’s).

Then there’s the ice cube test. Put a few ice cubes in a glass of water for five to ten minutes. If there isn’t any condensation on the glass, your home is too dry. If there’s a ton of condensation, your home is too humid.

There’s no perfect humidifier where you can set it and forget it. The two main types of humidifiers are evaporative and ultrasonic. Evaporative machines need a filter (which needs replacing), and ultrasonic humidifiers use distilled water. Many options are also compatible with essential oils, transforming your home into a spa-like environment. 

Ultrasonic humidifiers have two ceramic plates that vibrate and that sound energy makes extra-fine water mist. Evaporative humidifiers have fans that speed up the natural process of water evaporation. The fan makes it a noisier experience than its ultrasonic counterpart.

When researching which humidifiers to recommend, we looked at the sound level, energy consumption and ease of use (to set it up, fill it and clean it). We looked deep through customer reviews from many sources (not just Amazon) and combined the top products to create our list of recommendations. 

All of these humidifiers are extremely well-reviewed, it’s just a matter of preference. The “best overall” humidifier is evaporative and requires filter changes. 

Though ultrasonic machines are quieter and don’t require a filter, they continue misting even if your home has enough humidity. But the “most functions” ultrasonic humidifier below has a gauge and adjusts its midst automatically for a preset humidity level.  

Best ultrasonic: Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier Best for kids: Vicks Filter-Free Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier Most affordable ultrasonic: Orgtoy Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier Best for small spaces: Levoit Top Fill Humidifier Best for large spaces: Levoit Air Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier

This Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier connects with the VeSync app and third-party devices, so you can control the machine’s setting via voice commands and your cell. The app also reminds you when it’s time to refill and clean the tank.

The cool mist humidifier has a six-litre tank that can last up to 60 hours at the low mist level. You’re able to customize the air humidity to best suit the needs of the people, pets and plants that live in the space. The humidifier also has a space for essential oils and can function as a diffuser.

Capacity: 6L Range: Spaces up to 505 ft²/47 m² Price: $130 Where to buy: Amazon

This is an ultrasonic cool mist humidifier, so there are no filters required. Because it’s a cool mist, the water won’t heat up, which could be dangerous for households with children or pets. It has a soft glow night light and a scent pad slot for Vicks VapoPad (emits menthol vapours). 

There are adjustable moisture settings with auto shut-off when the tank is empty. The 4.5-litre tank is easy to fill and clean. This humidifier is great for a bedroom. It can run up to 30 hours per filling.

Capacity: 4.5L Range: Spaces up to 400 ft²/37.2 m² Price: $60 Where to buy: Amazon

This ultrasonic humidifier is also great for children, as it emits a cool mist and comes with a nightlight. It’s also very quiet. Ideal for providing comfort during sleep. 

The tank can handle just more than four litres of water and can last up to 40 hours. The machine automatically turns off when it’s out of water. The tank is easy to clean and refill. And when you look at this machine, it doesn’t scream “humidifier,” it’s sleek and visually modern.

Capacity: 4L Range: Spaces up to 430 ft²/40 m² Price: $25 Where to buy: Amazon

This is another modern-looking cool mist humidifier, but you can add essential oils to this one. You just put in your favourite fragrances directly into the base and you get proper humidity with an added flare. 

This machine is very quiet. It’s great for a smaller space with a 2.5-litre tank. There are three mist levels and the machine will automatically turn off once the water is depleted. If you’re looking for a humidifier and diffuser, this is a great option. 

Capacity: 2.5L Range: Spaces up to 280 ft²/26 m² Price: $58 Where to buy: Amazon

This machine is ready to humidify. There’s a six-litre tank that allows up to 36 hours of continuous use. The cool mist setting with the 360° nozzle allows you to keep your plants at a comfortable humidity level.

Smart Auto Mode & Adjustable Mist and Humidity Levels: The humidifier comes with a built-in humidity sensor that automatically diffuses mist to adjust the humidity level to remain in a healthy range. You can also set your preferred humidity level.

This machine is very quiet and has an area for essential oils. The tank is easy to clean and fill. The machine has an auto-off function when the tank is out of water. 

Capacity: 6L Range: Spaces up to 753 ft²/70 m² Price: $129 Where to buy: Amazon

Overall, if you’re looking for a long-trusted machine, the Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier is a safe bet. If you’re looking for something that doesn’t require filters and just makes it under the $100 price point, the Levoit Air Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier is a great option. 

For a machine that looks nice and still performs great, the Orgtoy Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier could be your stylish friend. And if you’re looking for a smaller-space option that also offers some aromatherapy, Levoit Top Fill Humidifier will do the trick.