The 5 Best Small Dehumidifiers, According to Testing

BEST OVERALL

Eva-Dry EDV-1100 Dehumidifier

Credit: Amazon

Why You Should Get It

This dehumidifier includes several bells and whistles, like auto shut-off and restart, LED power display, and full water tank indicator.

Keep in Mind

It took a few hours of running before it made any noticeable change in humidity levels.

After tallying up all the different testing factors for each product, the Eva-Dry Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier scored highest in our testing. For one, it was the most effective, leading to a 21.90% average humidity level change—over double the average of all the dehumidifiers we tested.

Smaller models often come in simpler designs, but the Eva-Dry packed a lot of features into its small size. The automatic shut-off is particularly helpful so you can run the machine without worrying about the tank filling up. It will turn off when the tank is full, and there’s an indicator light to let you know it’s time to dump out the water.

We appreciated how easy this small dehumidifier was to use. It took us only about two minutes to set it up, and we just had to plug it in—no need for fussing with instructions. When it was time to dump out the water tank, we liked that this process was simple as well. We just pulled out the collection tank, dumped it in the sink, and replaced it. Because of the small size, it wasn’t heavy to carry to the sink.

The only real downside is that it takes awhile for this machine to make a difference in humidity level. We noted it took about four hours before the machine started reducing the humidity level. But once it started working, we noticed the room felt less sticky, and even our cat had a noticeable improvement in allergy symptoms.

After six months of use, we were still impressed with this device. The water tank only needed to be dumped about once per week in our experience. After dumping out the water each week, we also gave the water tank a quick clean. We didn’t notice any grime or buildup with regular cleanings.

Product Details: Tank Capacity: 16 oz. | Moisture Removal Capacity: 0.5 pints per day | Room Size: 122 sq. ft. | Weight: 1 lbs. | Dimensions: 6.5 x 11 x 5.3 in.

The Eva-Dry has a small stature, but it led our testing with a 21.90% average humidity level change.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The water tank only needed to be emptied about once a week in our tests.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Key Terms to Know

Hygrometer: A hygrometer is a measurement tool that can determine what level of humidity is in the air. Some dehumidifiers include a built-in hygrometer, and we used an external device during our tests.
Humidistat: A humidistat is a tool that you can either manually control or it will automatically adjust to maintain an optimal humidity level.
HEPA filter: A high efficiency particulate air filter is designed to remove small air particles, like pollen or pet dander, from your home’s indoor air.

BEST FOR BATHROOMS

Pure Enrichment PureDry Deluxe Dehumidifier

Credit: Amazon

Why You Should Get It

It can serve a pretty large room size despite its small size, and it made a difference in multiple rooms on the same floor in our testing.

Keep in Mind

This dehumidifier has very simple controls, so you can only adjust the timer or fan speed.

The Pure Enrichment Dry Deluxe Dehumidifier is a good size for stashing away on a bathroom counter or shelf. In our tests, it made a noticeable difference in humidity level not only in the room it was in, but also the surrounding rooms.

This dehumidifier is straightforward to setup—just plug it in and it’s ready to go. We only used the low setting, since this offered a quiet hum ideal for overnight use, and still noticed an average 7.31% change in humidity levels. We appreciated that this dehumidifier included an automated shut-off for continuous use, and it also offers options for four or eight hour settings.

Otherwise, this model doesn’t offer much in terms of controls and customization. There’s no built-in humidistat or hygrometer to measure humidity levels, but you can control the fan speed with two settings, low or high.

The water tank was slow to fill up in our tests, but when it was time to empty it, we found it very easy to remove, dump out, and clean with a bit of soap and water.

We were particularly impressed with the long-term upkeep (or really, lack thereof) for this dehumidifier. Aside from emptying the tank as needed, which wasn’t very often, this device doesn’t need much care. Even with minimal maintenance, it didn’t show signs of buildup. It continued performing well even months later, and it continuously showed humidity levels at a “comfort” reading.

Product Details: Tank Capacity: 50.88 oz. | Moisture Removal Capacity: 1.06 pints per day | Room Size: 500 sq. ft. | Weight: 5.1 lbs. | Dimensions: 5.4 x 12 x 9.1 in.

The Pure Enrichment PureDry has a sleek design suitable for living spaces.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
On average, the dehumidifier lowered the humidity in our space just over 7%.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST PORTABLE

Pro Breeze Mini Portable Dehumidifier

Credit: Amazon

Why You Should Get It

The dehumidifier starts working immediately, but the water tank is slow to fill up, meaning less maintenance for users.

Keep in Mind

The dehumidifier includes an air filter, but it can’t be cleaned and reused. You’ll need to purchase replacement filters.

At just under 2.5 pounds and with the smallest dimensions of any dehumidifier we tested, it’s no wonder the Pro Breeze Mini Portable Dehumidifier is the winner of the most portable dehumidifier. We tested it in a small bedroom and noticed an average humidity level change of 11.30%.

This dehumidifier is easy to use—it only needs plugged in and turned on with a single button to start working. Once it’s on, it starts working right away. We noticed a change in the humidity and temperature and saw water dripping into the collection tank just minutes after turning on the machine.

Despite the water beginning to collect in the tank quickly after turning on, it took a few days of consistent use before the tank was full of water. Dumping out the water and cleaning the tank was just as easy as setting up the machine.

We found this device particularly portable; in fact, it was small enough to bring to and from the office or pack in carry-on luggage for taking it on trips.

After six months, the product was still performing as well as it did on day one. Cleaning is especially easy; cleaning the outside of the machine was as easy as wiping it down occasionally with a disinfectant wipe. The tank was easy to clean out with soap and water every few weeks to keep buildup at bay.

Product Details: Tank Capacity: 16 oz. | Moisture Removal Capacity: 0.57 pints per day | Room Size: 215 sq. ft. | Weight: 2.4 lbs. | Dimensions: 6 x 8.5 x 6 in.

The Pro Breeze Mini Portable Dehumidifier in the box

The Pro Breeze Mini Portable Dehumidifier is small enough to pack in a bag.

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BEST WITH AIR PURIFIER

Tenergy Sorbi Air Dehumidifier

Credit: Amazon

Why You Should Get It

This device has a sleek design and is impressively quiet, and we liked how well it worked in a bedroom.

Keep in Mind

You’ll need to purchase additional, brand-specific air filters for this model, and the filter needs changed about every six months.

The Tenergy Sorbi 1000ml Air Dehumidifier is a great value, offering two functions for the price of one product. In addition to removing excess moisture from the air, this dehumidifier also doubles as an air purifier.

Setup was fairly simple, but aside from plugging it in, it’s important to remember to remove the plastic covering on the air filter. It also proved to be pretty effective, with an average humidity level change of 15.33%, although we found it worked best in bedrooms or other areas with moderate humidity over very humid spaces, like bathrooms.

Removing the water tank to dump it out into a sink was easy, and although there’s no clear panel to reveal the water level, the dehumidifier does automatically turn off once the water tank is full.

The HEPA filter feature can be helpful in maintaining healthy indoor air, but that does mean you’ll need to purchase replacement filters for this particular dehumidifier. It requires brand-specific replacements, so make sure to buy the appropriate filters to keep the machine running as intended. The filter is easy to access and remove.

This was one of the heaviest small dehumidifiers we tested at 7 pounds. While still portable, we wished this had some type of handle to make it easier to carry.

Product Details: Tank Capacity: 33.8 oz. | Moisture Removal Capacity: 1.6 pints per day | Room Size: 200 sq. ft. | Weight: 7 lbs. | Dimensions: 8 x 12 x 8 in.

The Tenergy Sorbi’s replaceable HEPA filter is easy to access through a removable side panel.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Water collects in a tank on the bottom of the unit.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The tank has a lid that’s easy to remove for cleaning.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
While the water tank is opaque, the unit turns off when it’s full.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
You can turn off the dehumidifying feature to use the device just as an air purifier.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST DESIGN

Homelabs Dehumidifier with Pump

Credit: Amazon

Why You Should Get It

This sleek and easy-to-use dehumidifier can effectively tackle spaces up to 1,800 square feet.

Keep in Mind

It’s wider and taller than a few other options on our list, and it weighs 23 pounds.

The HomeLabs Energy Star Dehumidifier is a fantastic small dehumidifier for anyone who wants all the bells and whistles. There are plenty of features to love about this appliance, including its automatic shut off when it has reaches the desired humidity level. It also has an auto-restart function in the event of a power outage or failure.

The easy-to-read digital panel lets you easily adjust to your ideal moisture level, see if the filter needs replacing, and alternate between settings. The dehumidifier even has a turbo mode, which increases the built-in fan speed to ensure maximum moisture removal.

Aesthetically, the dehumidifier is no eyesore. Its sleek, modern design allows it to blend in with any room decor without standing out, while its built-in wheels and handles make it easy to move around the house.

Plus, it works in rooms up to 1,800 square feet while smaller models on our list may only be designed for rooms up to 500 square feet. However, because it works in larger spaces, it is a bit wider and taller than more compact models. It also weighs 22 pounds, but it has wheels to help you move it around.

This model has three modes to choose from—comfort, turbo, and continuous—and a 24-hour timer that can be set in 30-minute increments up to 10 hours, and 1-hour increments up to 24 hours. There is also a full bucket indicator that notifies the user when the water needs to be emptied so that the dehumidifier’s bucket does not overflow or flood.

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Jessica Christopher
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Jessica Christopher
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Jessica Christopher

The Bottom Line

Based on our tests, we chose the Eva-Dry Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier as the best small dehumidifier. While we were impressed with many of its features, like the automated shut-off, a full tank indicator, and automatic restart functionality, what really blew us away was how powerful this little machine was. It had the greatest effect on humidity levels, with a 21.90% average change in humidity level.

Our Testing Process

To determine which models would make it to our list of the best small dehumidifiers, we tested 28 total dehumidifiers, including both small and large models. To start, we unboxed the dehumidifier and let it sit for 24 hours prior to testing, as this lets any compressor oils settle and helps the unit perform as intended.

We noted indoor humidity levels using a separate hygrometer before using the dehumidifiers alongside any information on their locations and recent weather, like rain, that can affect humidity. We also noted any readings from built-in hygrometers of dehumidifiers to compare these readings with the separate hygrometer readings. After a 12-hour period, we noted hygrometer readings to determine any humidity level changes.

In total, we spent over 1,000 hours testing dehumidifiers. We recorded how long each model took to set up, how simple or difficult it was to control each device with its buttons, the noise level while each dehumidifier was running, how easy it was to move the dehumidifier, and how easy or difficult it was to empty and clean the water tank.

We continued using the dehumidifiers for several months, recording progress at the three month and six month mark. We tested how the dehumidifiers worked, noting any signs of buildup in the water tanks and how well the devices functioned with regular use.

The control buttons on the Pure Enrichment Dry Deluxe Dehumidifier are shown

When testing dehumidifiers, we considered their effectiveness, ease of use, and noise levels.

Better Homes & Gardens

What to Know About Small Dehumidifiers Before Shopping

Capacity

When you’re shopping for a dehumidifier, keep in mind that there are differences between capacity types. Descriptions will show two different types of product specifications: tank capacity and moisture removal capacity.

The tank capacity refers to the volume of liquid the water collection tank will hold. Once this tank is full, it needs to be dumped or drained with a drain hose, depending on the dehumidifier model.

In our list of dehumidifiers, the tank capacities ranged from about 16 ounces to nearly 68 ounces. A larger tank capacity means the machine can work longer before needing to be emptied.

“Remember that dehumidification means it will remove water from the air,” explains Daniel Berry, HVAC-R Program Director at Fortis Institute in Scranton, Pennsylvania. “Unless, of course, you have a system that can be piped into your home plumbing system. In any case, having access to the water reservoir for draining and cleaning is critically important.”

But the dehumidifier isn’t limited to only removing its tank’s worth of moisture from the air in one day. So that’s why manufacturers include a moisture removal capacity, usually measured in pints or liters of moisture that can be removed from the air per day.

For moisture removal capacity, the dehumidifiers on our list range from about 0.5 pints per day to 8 pints per day. The HomeLabs Wifi-Enabled Dehumidifier has the highest moisture removal capacity at 8 pints per day.

Room Size

Room size is a major consideration when buying a dehumidifier, so make sure to check the maximum room size your dehumidifier can serve.

In our list of the best small dehumidifiers, the top models worked best in rooms under 300 square feet, which make them ideal for smaller spaces like bathrooms, closets, or small bedrooms. One product, the Pure Enrichment Dry Deluxe Dehumidifier, worked for rooms up to 500 square feet.

Dimensions

Aside from the size of the room, you will also want to consider the size and portability of the dehumidifier. Small dehumidifiers work best for spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms, but they can still be bulky or incompatible with the space. For instance, the dehumidifier may have a smaller tank capacity, but it’s loaded with bells and whistles, making the unit too large to fit on a dresser or bathroom counter.

The smallest model in our picks for the best small dehumidifier was the Pro Breeze Mini Portable Dehumidifier, which measured 6 x 8.5 x 6 inches, and it worked best for rooms less than 215 square feet. By weight, the Eva-Dry Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier was the lightest option we tested at just 1 pound, but most of the options in our top picks weighed under 7 pounds.

Sometimes, you may need to sacrifice tank capacity and moisture removal capacity for a smaller, more portable unit.

No matter the size of the dehumidifier, if you plan to move it from room to room, make sure to consider design features like wheels or comfortable carrying handles for improved portability.

Noise Level

While larger dehumidifiers can be stashed away in basements to help muffle the noise, small dehumidifiers for living rooms or bedrooms are best when they are quiet. You want something that contributes what amounts to white noise; otherwise, you may find yourself shouting over the sound of the running dehumidifier or waking up through the night.

“You’ll know how noisy the dehumidifier is by checking the decibel rating on the product specifications,” Jaramillo explains. “The optimal range of noise level is 30-50 decibel, which resembles the sound of gentle rain or rustling leaves. Some dehumidifiers have sound dampening technology to make less noise, and such options are preferable for rooms where silence is key.”

In general, small dehumidifiers operate quietly compared to larger models. The Veva Small Dehumidifier was one of the quietest models we tested. We only noticed a very subtle hum from this machine, and the product boasts a noise level of less than 30 decibels. For comparison, a whisper is about 30 decibels.

Your Questions, Answered

How do dehumidifiers work?

Refrigerant dehumidifiers work by using fans to draw in air from the room into the device. Then, the air moves over pipes or coils that are chilled through a refrigerant. This causes the water vapor in the air to condense, then it drips as liquid water into a collection tank. The remaining air then passes over warm condenser pipes or coils before dispersing back into the room at a comfortable temperature.

Desiccant dehumidifiers work by drawing in the air, then passing it over a material that absorbs or collects water, known as a desiccant. The water is then moved to the collection tank, while the dry air disperses out of the device and into the room.

Do dehumidifiers help with mold?

Dehumidifiers help reduce moisture in the air. Because moisture can encourage mold growth, using a dehumidifier can help with mold prevention.

“Moisture reduction prevents the growth of mold and mildew, which can damage home structures and furnishings,” says Glenn Wiseman, a certified residential air systems design technician who works at Team Harding, an HVAC contractor in Ontario, Canada. “Plus, they can sometimes help lower levels of dust mites and allergens, further improving air quality and benefiting people with allergies or respiratory issues.”

However, if there is already mold in your home, a dehumidifier won’t reduce any existing mold.

Ideally, it’s best to keep humidity levels at 30% to 50%, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to minimize the risk of mold and to avoid attracting certain pests, like dust mites and cockroaches.

Does a dehumidifier use a lot of electricity?

A dehumidifier will use more or less electricity depending on its size and how often it is left running. In our tests, which took place in our homes, we didn’t notice any significant changes in electrical bills when using the dehumidifiers.

Larger dehumidifiers that are energy-efficient models may be certified under EPA’s Energy Star label and have less impact on electric bills than other models, so shoppers concerned about energy use may want to look for models that are Energy Star-certified.

However, you can also rest easy knowing that dehumidifiers may actually help you reduce reliance on other appliances with high energy demands.

“Dehumidifiers aid in energy efficiency by allowing air conditioners to run more effectively since they don’t have to work as hard to remove moisture from the air, which can lead to lower energy bills,” Wiseman explains.

Who We Are

Paige Bennett is a writer and editor with six years of experience researching and reviewing home, food, and beauty products for a variety of brands and publications. To write this article, Paige relied on testing from our home testers, who spent over 1,000 hours testing 28 total dehumidifiers. We tested each product for effectiveness at changing humidity level in a room, ease of setup and use, design, noise level, ease of cleaning, and value, plus additional features like automated shut-off, added air filters, hygrometer, and humidistat.

In addition, Paige interviewed Glenn Wiseman, a certified residential air systems design technician who works at Ontario-based HVAC contractor Team Harding. Wiseman has more than 15 years of experience in the HVAC business. She also spoke to Roy Jaramillo, owner of San Antonio-based Amazing Air Solutions; and Daniel Berry, HVAC-R Program Director at Fortis Institute.

The 5 Best Small Dehumidifiers, According to Testing