Updated Oct 04, 2024 at 10:36 am
By Ryan Lim
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If you're tired of rooms in your home feeling clammy and damp, it might be worth investing in a portable dehumidifier. While these devices are only a partial band-aid solution for more serious water infiltration problems, most models on the market can still offer some relief. Of course, they can also be an asset if you live in an especially humid climate.
We've tested 20 dehumidifiers, and below are our recommendations for the best we've tested based on their performance, price, and feature sets. Also, check out our recommendations for the topdehumidifiers for basements.
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Best Dehumidifier
Frigidaire FFAP5034W1 0
Basement
8.6
Bathroom
7.6
Large Room
8.0
Bedroom
6.6
Performance Usages: Noise
6.2
Capacity
8.5
Type
RefrigerantAHAM Rated Capacity
50.0 PPD (23.7 LPD)Drain Pump
YesSee Also5 Best Pelonis Dehumidifiers Reviews - Worth Buying or Not? - The Cheery HomePelonis Dehumidifier 50 Pint Review: Worth the Hype?Pelonis Dehumidifier Reviews: An In-depth Review of Popular ModelsPelonis Dehumidifier 50 Pint Review | Skinny Ninja MomSee all our test results
The best dehumidifier we've tested is the Frigidaire FFAP5034W1. This 50-pint unit offers plenty of airflow variance across its three fan speed settings, which is great for dealing with humidity in both large areas or cooler, more humid environments. Its high dehumidification capacity also makes it a perfect fit for bigger rooms. Thanks to its impressive energy efficiency, it'sa stellar option if you need to run it for extended periods. It has a port for continuous drainage and an integrated pump for dumping collected moisture into a faraway drain or container.
Unfortunately, at over 40 lbs, this device weighs a bit, though its caster wheels make it easier to move around. Like many full-size 50-pint dehumidifiers, it produces a lot of heat and makes a fair amount of noise, topping out at just over 56 dBA at its highest fan speed setting. While it isn't the worst offender in this respect, it's something to be aware of if you plan on using it while watching TV or have company over. It's also a bulky machine that can be a bit of a tight fit for smaller rooms; check out the Midea MAD50PS1QWT if you want another 50-pint model that occupies less space when not in use, but note that it's noisier and produces more heat than the Frigidaire.
See our review
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Best Mid-Range Dehumidifier
Midea MAD35S1QWT 0
Basement
7.6
Bathroom
6.7
Large Room
7.4
Bedroom
7.0
Performance Usages: Noise
6.6
Capacity
7.2
Type
RefrigerantAHAM Rated Capacity
35.0 PPD (16.6 LPD)Drain Pump
NoSee all our test results
For something more affordable, the Midea MAD35S1QWTis among the best dehumidifiers for homes we've tested. It has a smaller 35-pint capacity than the Frigidaire FFAP5034W1, so it doesn't perform quite as efficiently in large rooms. However, it has its fair share of advantages, not counting its lower price. It has a unique collapsible design, in which the compressor unit and water bucket are separate components.You can set it up normally, with the compressor unit sitting atop the 4.2 gal (16.0 L) bucket, detach the compressor entirely and have it drain into a sink from its drain port, or connect a hose to the drain port and turn on the built-in pump, so it can pour out any accumulated moisture into an elevated container or faraway spout.
Unfortunately, its compressor unit is rather heavy,and it can take a bit of muscle to take it out of its water bucket. Its fan provides less airflow compared to the Frigidaire, reaching 189 CFM at its highest fan speed setting and 155 CFM at its lowest, so it can't adapt as seamlessly to different ambient humidity conditions.
See our review
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Best Budget Dehumidifier
Waykar PD160B 0
Basement
6.9
Bathroom
7.3
Large Room
7.0
Bedroom
7.7
Performance Usages: Noise
7.9
Capacity
6.1
Type
RefrigerantAHAM Rated Capacity
8.5 PPD (4.0 LPD)Drain Pump
NoSee all our test results
If you're on an even more limited budget, check out the Waykar PD160B. This model has a pretty modest 8.5-pint capacity, so it's best suited for small to medium-size rooms. It doesn't take up much space, thanks to its compact design, and it generates very little heat or noise, so you can place it near your bed without disturbing your sleep.You can set your desired humidity level and let the unit automatically adjust its fan speed, reducing the need to constantly fiddle with the settings. Besides, it doesn't have the best display; it's pretty dim, and its poor viewing angles make it almost impossible to see unless you're looking straight at it from above. This model doesn't have a built-in pump to drain the water into an elevated receptacle; instead, it has a hose for continuous drainage.
See our review
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Best Compact Dehumidifier
ProBreeze PB-03 0
Basement
3.6
Bathroom
5.8
Large Room
4.5
Bedroom
7.1
Performance Usages: Noise
8.0
Capacity
2.5
Type
ThermoelectricAHAM Rated Capacity
N/ADrain Pump
NoSee all our test results
If you only need a dehumidifier to deal with small amounts of moisture in a small space like a closet, consider the ProBreeze PB-03. It doesn't offer anywhere near the dehumidification capacity of a full-size machine and will struggle to clear away moisture in even modestly sized rooms. However, it weighs roughly one-tenth as much as a full-size machine like the Frigidaire FFAP5034W1 and takes up a little over 10% of the same room, so you can rest it on a dresser or shelf and leave it to run. It also operates very quietly and emits very little heat.
The ProBreeze has a very small 0.4 gal (1.5 L) water tank, but since its dehumidification rate is so low, it takes quite a while to fill up. It draws only 37W of power, but its poor capacity means it isn't an energy-efficient option.
See our review
Notable Mentions
- GE APYR50LC: The GE APYR50LC is a 50-pint dehumidifier with a drain pump. It performs quite similarly to the Frigidaire FFAP5034W1 and takes up slightly less space, but the Frigidaire has a higher-capacity water tank, makes less noise, and emits marginally less heat. See our review
- Midea MAD50PS1WS: The Midea MAD50PS1WS is another good alternative to the Frigidaire FFAP5034W1. Both units share similar dimensions and provide excellent dehumidification capacity and impressive energy efficiency. However, the Frigidaire offers a wider range of airflow speeds, making it a better fit for a wider variety of ambient conditions. See our review
- Whirlpool WHAD50PCW: The Whirlpool WHAD50PCW is a full-size 50-pint dehumidifier that performs similarly to the Frigidaire FFAP5034W1 but features a smaller water tank. It also makes a little more noise and produces more heat. See our review
Recent Updates
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Oct 04, 2024: Replaced the AGLucky OL12D-D023B with the Waykar PD160B because the AGLucky isn't available.
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Sep 04, 2024: Minor text changes for conciseness and clarity. No change in recommendations.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are some of the bestportable dehumidifiers for most people. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability.
That said, there is no single best dehumidifier for home use that will suit everybody; your needs will depend on your budget, the size of your living space, your tolerance for operating noise, and whether you like having a device with convenience features like Wi-Fi connectivity or a drain pump.If you'd like to choosefor yourself, here'sthe list of all our dehumidifier reviews.