Shopping for an inexpensive cool mist humidifier? You’ve come to the right place!
Humidifiers are essential, especially for dry seasons when the indoor spaces suffer from a lack of moisture, resulting in various health hazards such as dry skin.
The lower cost of these humidifiers does not mean that they are lower in quality. Rather, they offer the same humidity control and are more portable due to being compact in size, and with the less features. Thereby they offer simpler interface unlike the fancy counterparts out there.
Who Should Buy a Cool mist humidifier?
The industry standard for a “cheap humidifier” is a product that is priced at $60 or less. We think it’s possible to do better than that.
A number of high-quality humidifiers can give you years of productivity with very little maintenance for under $30 right now. That means you can get a humidifier for a room in your home for just $10 more than the best travel humidifiers that work in very confined spaces.
This is why every home should consider having a humidifier today; they have never been more affordable than now.
Our Top 3 Picks
- Large capacity of 5 litres
- Can run continuously for 12 to 28 hours
- Energy-efficient
- Automatic shut-off feature if the water level runs too low.
- Compatible with essential oils
- Easy refilling by twisting the cover open.
- It works very well in large rooms
- User can switch between 4 mist levels
- It has a long run time of 60 hours
- 5-liter tank capacity
- Best for residential and office use both.
- Automatic shutoff features make it completely safe to use in case the water runs out.
What's In This Buying Guide
To help you get a clear picture of what to expect from some of the best inexpensive cool mist humidifiers, we have reviewed them in detail. We have also included a buying guide, so you know how to pick a unit that best fits your needs.
Lastly, we answered some common queries to give you the full picture!
Table of Contents
Best Inexpensive Cool Mist Humidifiers
- Best for energy saving: iTvanila Humidifier
- Best for additional features: Homasy Colormist Humidifier
- Best overall: TaoTronics Cool Mist Humidifier
- Best for adjustments: Levoit Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
- Best for compact spaces: Vicks Mini Cool Mist Humidifier
Disclaimer: All links below go to Amazon.com
iTvanila Humidifier
28db noise level
5 liter tank capacity
Built-in hygrometer, safe knob design
3 levels of mist output
Automatic shut-down feature
Homasy Colormist
28db noise level
4.5 liter tank capacity
360 degree rotatable nozzle
4 mist adjustment modes
Automatic shutoff feature
TaoTronics Cool Mist
10db noise level
4 liter tank capacity
LED Display
3 mist modes
Built-in humidistat and sleep mode
Levoit Ultrasonic
30db noise level
4 liter tank capacity
Aroma tray
3 mist modes
Automatic shut-down feature
Vicks Mini
10db noise level
1.89 liter tank capacity
Built-in nebulizer
3 mist modes
Automatic shut-down feature
The iTvanila humidifier makes for a great lightweight humidifier with a small footprint that can easily fit in any space and look good.
PROS
- The hassle-free design allows for easy filling and cleaning
- Can operate at 28dbs at the lowest
- Includes a handle at the top for easy portability
- The user-friendly display displays real-time humidity level and switches off when the unit is in nighttime mode
CONS
- A bit high on the price range
- Noise increases as you increase the level of mist outputs
Features
- This unit has a large capacity of 5-liters which can easily cover an area of 268 sq. ft.
- Can run continuously for 12 to 28 hours
- Uses a smart mist control system along with an adjustable knob for equal distribution of mist in the space.
- Energy-efficient; it only uses 1/10th of power that is normally consumed by traditional humidifiers.
- Employs the use of the automatic shut-off feature if the water level runs too low.
Our Review
The iTvanila cool mist humidifier is absolutely essential for an everyday living space. It is programmed to help the user intelligently maintain the needed indoor humidity level.
It features a programmable timer that can be set for 1 to 12 hours to humidify for as long as you need in an efficient, energy-saving way.
Its 360° adjustable nozzle also makes it easy to disperse mist in multiple directions.
The visible water gauge helps keep track of the water level easily and alerts the user to refill it in time. The water tank light can be turned on or off according to the user’s preference.
Homasy ColorMist Humidifier will perfectly suit your needs if you are looking for a product that offers comfort and features for convenience throughout the day.
PROS
- Made with anti-corrosive PP material and you can add oils directly to the water tank for aromatic benefits
- It has an auto shut-off mode that allows the unit to turn off as soon as it runs out of water
- User can switch between 4 mist levels
- It works very well in large rooms as it has a 5-liters tank capacity
- User can set a timer for 6.2 to 12 hours
CONS
- The brand does not offer a wide color range to choose from
Features
- It is compatible with essential oils, which can be directly added to the water tank for a relaxed atmosphere.
- Includes seven color mood lights to choose from at the press of a button. These come in handy, especially at nighttime.
- Designed in a top-fill manner that allows for easy refilling by twisting the cover open.
- Mist settings can be changed with a single touch button, and users have three options to choose from.
- The mood light and indicator light switches off automatically to avoid any disturbance during the sleep mode.
- It can effectively moisture the air for about 30 hours of continuous operation and has a 360° dispersion system so that the whole room is humidified equally.
Our Review
This humidifier offers a lot more than you initially pay for it. It is offered in white color; however, there is a thin strip that has LED light installed in 7 colors to give the atmosphere a touch of light when it is switched on.
It makes use of ultrasonic technology to maintain a quiet environment and can work for about nine continuous hours without needing a refill.
Its 5-liters tank capacity allows it to run for a good 60 hours on the lowest setting without requiring a refill.
The unit is super easy to clean, and its safety feature protects it from overheating.
Overall, it has a sturdy built that adds years to its life. It makes for a great addition to any space.
If you are not a fan of dealing with any inconveniences, the TaoTronics Cool Mist humidifier is the one for you. It comes with safety features and a sleek design that can fit perfectly in any space.
It offers multiple flexible features and an extremely user-friendly interface so that you have no trouble operating it.
PROS
- Modern-looking design that can fit well in any space
- It has a long run time of 60 hours on the lowest setting and 30 hours on the highest
- The mist output release rate is high; it releases the mist in the air at one foot, which prevents the surrounding furniture and fittings from getting wet
- The unit operates at 10db, offering a relaxing ambiance
- The 360-degree rotatable nozzle ensures equal distribution of mist in the room
CONS
- Users cannot get the unit in a different color other than black
- Only suitable for small to medium-sized rooms
Features
- It offers quiet operation, producing 10 dB of noise for a noise-free ambiance.
- Embodies 5-liters tank capacity so you can make it work all night for about 12-30 hours
- Best for residential and office use both; can humidify air effectively in rooms up to 107-322 ft².
- Designed with an informative LED display that has a built-in humidistat and three mist level options.
- You can turn on the nightlight or enter sleep mode to shut off the LED screen for a discreet sleep at night.
- Automatic shutoff features make it completely safe to use in case the water runs out.
Our Review
Based on its features, the TaoTronics humidifier poses itself as a champion in the market for inexpensive cool mist humidifiers.
It has a quiet operation and is designed in a very traditional manner, so it does not look alien in any space.
The 360-degree nozzle helps with equal mist dispersion, which also prevents water accumulation at a single spot on the floor or on the furniture the humidifier sits on.
The overall design is longitudinal, which can look very elegant in any space. The black color of this unit also gives off a very contemporary vibe.
The unit is analog-operated, which means the user has control over all the settings to get the exact preferred output.
It has an output rate of 300ml per hour if you set it to the highest setting. The air inlet filter ensures the removal of any dust particles in the room while maintaining a good humidity level.
For those who like having control over their appliances, the Levoit Ultrasonic cool mist humidifier is their best bet.
It features multiple adjustment settings, which you can benefit from through an extremely well-designed and friendly user interface.
PROS
- Capable of humidifying large areas of up to 376 ft²
- Can run continuously for 40 hours without the need for a refill
- In-built aroma tray for essential oil users
- Ultrasonic technology helps users get the finest possible mist
- Unit comes with a complimentary brush for easy maintenance
CONS
- Some users are not happy with how much sound it generates during use.
Features
- Holds water tank capacity of 4-liters which is sufficient for medium to large spaces
- This unit is super portable, weighing only 3.5 pounds
- It offers a quiet operation of less than 30dB
- It runs for about 40 hours at the lowest setting
- Can humidify a space of about 285 to 376 ft²
Our Review
For an easy-to-clean unit, this Levoit humidifier comes with a 3.8-inch opening that ensures hassle-free refilling.
Users can wipe down the interior using the complimentary brush included with the purchase. You can also detach the silencer for a deeper clean.
The large capacity of 1.06 gallons of the unit ensures 40 hours of continuous operation at the lowest setting, which goes down to 10 hours if you choose to go with the highest setting.
It is a great investment for baby nurseries as it has safety features such as the auto-shutoff mode, which switches off the whole unit in case of any mishap or when it requires a refill.
Aromatherapy can also be practiced using this unit as it is designed with an aroma tray to which you can add your choice of essential oils for a more fragrant environment.
The ultrasonic technology it uses helps to atomize the water and transforms it to the finest possible mist of less than 5μm, which means that your furniture and fittings remain dry even if the humidifier runs excessively.
The Vicks Mini cool mist humidifier is the best when it comes to offering a soothing environment that can help you get temporary relief from symptoms of cough or congestion.
It is designed to be a low-maintenance operation and super quiet and is worth the money you invest in it.
PROS
- User can choose to turn off the display light when not needed
- Does not need replacement filters
- The nozzle is designed such that it can act as a steam inhaler when necessary
- Can help get rid of symptoms of cough and congestion
- It can fit well into any space because of its compact size
CONS
- Some users find the light on the front panel insufficient at nighttime to see the options clearly
Features
- It consists of soothing vapors that are helpful in conditions such as flu or cold
- Integrated scent pad heater works with Vicks VapoPads to give a soothing feel
- Multiple humidity control options for preferred results
- Auto shutoff feature included for when the tank runs empty
- It runs up to 20-hrs per filling on low
Our Review
The best thing about Vicks cool mist humidifier is that users get the benefit of a humidifier and a nebulizer out of a single machine.
It breaks the water vapor via ultrasonic frequency, so the result is the finest mist you can see.
It does not require any replacement filters, so that cuts down the maintenance cost of this unit by a lot in comparison to its counterparts.
It’s capable of 20 hours of continuous humidifying, making it a great fit in bedrooms or nurseries.
It is easy to sleep while the unit is on as it works in combination with Vicks VapoPads to provide temporary relief from congestion and flu symptoms.
It further has an auto-shutdown feature that makes it safe for use around pets and babies.
The only slight addition most users have recommended for this product is the inclusion of a brighter light on the front panel.
Inexpensive Cool Mist Humidifiers: Buying Guide
Why Buy a Cool Mist Humidifier?
Cool mist humidifiers have been essential to any household that could use a little humidification. Today, there are various humidifiers in the market in various contemporary designs that fit perfectly in any space, color, and size.
People prefer having them in their spaces because of their immense benefits that extend from environmental to basic human health and hygiene. Their benefits include:
Preventing Influenza
Humidifiers can easily lessen the chances of catching the flu. This is because humidity levels over 40% can deactivate virus particles quickly. This makes the spread of infections a lot less likely.
Making a Cough More Productive
Dry air, which causes dry coughs, can be reverted by the inclusion of humidity in the air. This will lend more moisture into the airways, which can soothe the irritation caused by coughing. It can also eventually help release trapped phlegm, making it easier to breathe.
Reducing Snoring
This is good news for people who cannot help snoring at night. Snoring occurs in the first place due to the airway being insufficiently lubricated. Turning on a humidifier while sleeping will help relieve symptoms.
Keeping the Skin and Hair Moist
In dry seasons like winter or autumn, the majority of people tend to experience extreme dryness on their lips and body. Even the hair suffers from dryness, causing fizziness and dandruff.
All this can be resolved; using a humidifier to add moisture inside the house can keep the skin moisturized and supple.
Benefits for the Home
Moisture can also help any indoor plants or wooden furniture and fittings. Dryness usually causes cracking and static electricity, and a humidifier can help bring a halt to any such damaging process.
Humid air also tends to feel warmer than dry air, so you might feel inclined to use your heater too much, thereby saving money on utility bills in winters.
Aromatherapy
Some cool mist humidifiers are compatible with essential oils that can be added directly to the water tank. Other models include a separate compartment where you can put in a few drops of any essential oil, and from there, it is let out with the water as mist.
What to Look for in a Less Expensive Cool Mist Humidifier
When you set out to purchase a cool-mist humidifier, make sure to double-check it for certain aspects such as;
Running Times
Usually, inexpensive cool mist humidifiers run for 8 to 12 hours, which is pretty sufficient.
Water Level Indicator
Good-quality cool mist humidifiers offer indicators in the form of a light or alarm that sets off if the water level is too low. This prevents a possible burnout situation.
Mist Output Levels
Almost all cool mist humidifiers offer options for you to choose from when it comes to mist output. This is important because you will need to have some control over the amount of mist coming out to avoid any excess. Usually, there are three levels available; low, medium and high.
Type of Humidifier
It is important to make sure that while looking for inexpensive cool mist humidifiers, you don’t end up purchasing a travel humidifier because they have a lot in common except for large capacity. Look for a room-based humidifier that can at least cover an area of about 250 square feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cool-mist humidifier run all night?
Yes, it is completely safe to leave a humidifier on all night. However, it is important to consider the impacts of the humidifier on the indoor space and yourself.
Too much humidity can cause too much moisture in the fixture and fittings and cause discomfort. This is why the safest way to go about it is to buy a humidifier with a timer or mist output levels.
What health risks are associated with the usage of a cool-mist humidifier?
As long as a cool-mist humidifier is kept clean and maintained as instructed, there are no health risks associated with it. Only dirty humidifiers can pose problems, especially if asthma is your issue. Contaminated mist can cause allergies or trigger flu-like symptoms.
Do I have to keep the door open while using a cool-mist humidifier?
If your humidifier is the appropriate size for the room it is in, it is generally safe to keep the door closed while in use. However, if the humidifier is too powerful for space, you’ll want to leave the door open to allow some humidity to escape
Are cool-mist humidifiers easy to clean?
A cool-mist humidifier is pretty easy to clean. All you have to do is unplug it from the source and disassemble it. Then fill the water tank with water and two tablespoons of distilled white vinegar. After letting this mixture sit for about an hour, discard it. If there is any tough buildup remaining, use a cleaning brush to get rid of it.
Final Verdict: What is the Best Inexpensive Cool Mist Humidifier, and Why
The iTvanila Humidifier is our best pick on inexpensive cool mist humidifiers because of its high-quality performance, quiet operation, and ability to humidify large-sized rooms. Although it doesn’t possess all high-end automated features, it is worth the price you pay for it.
I’m a degreed ME (mechanical engineer) who is passionate about machines of all kinds. I created MachineWonders.com as a way to connect with others who love machines like me – or need help choosing one for their needs, application, or situation.
