Cool mist humidifiers are the most common humidifiers on the market. There are two types of cool mist humidifiers: ultrasonic models (best for single rooms and apartments) and evaporative models (best for multiple rooms and whole house humidification). Ultrasonic cool mist humidifiers use vibration to break water into ultra-fine droplets, which produces a visible mist. Cool mist evaporative models use a wick to evaporate water and humidify without a visible mist. Whether you want an ultrasonic or evaporative model, here are our highest rated cool mist humidifiers.
CONSOLE | MA1201
The Spruce tested the Console and rated it a Top Pick. It was also rated Best for the Whole House by Prevention Magazine. It has a large removable tank, long run time between refills, and a built-in humidistat so you can select your desired humidity level and let the Console do the rest. An optional demineralization cartridge can be used to extend the wick's life by removing the minerals naturally found in tap water.
Evaporative model - uses an MAF1 wick
Coverage area - up to 3,600 square feet
Tank capacity - 3.6 gallons
Maximum run time - 36 hours
Fan speeds - 4, with an auto setting that allows the humidifier to self-adjust the fan speed based on your chosen humidity level
PEDESTAL | EP9800
The Pedestal has over 2,700 5-star ratings on Amazon. It was also rated Best Whole House humidifier by Health.com. The Pedestal has a built-in humidistat for humidity control, quickly brings up the humidity level in your home, and is super easy to clean. But what makes it most unique is the decorative top insert that can be changed out with any 12"x12" tile to match your home. With the tile inserted, the Pedestal can be used as a table. It comes in two colors and you can buy an optional remote.
Evaporative model - uses a 1043 wick
Coverage area - up to 2,400 square feet
Tank capacity - 3.5 gallons
Maximum run time - 60 hours
Fan speeds - 9
AURORA
There are a few raindrop shaped humidifiers out there, but the AURORA blows them all away on features and function. It has a diffuser tray for essential oils, an adjustable nozzle so you can direct the mist, and it's almost completely silent - perfect in a bedroom or nursery. But its best feature is the LED color-changing nightlight. Let the AURORA cycle through all the colors, or stop it on your favorite to match your room or your mood. Customers rate the AURORA a 4.1 on Amazon.
Ultrasonic model - no wick needed, optional demineralization cartridge to remove water minerals and eliminate white dust
Coverage area - up to 750 square feet
Tank capacity - 1 gallon
Maximum run time - 24 hours
Fan speeds - variable (low to high)
A smaller AURORAmini is also available with all the same great features, but with a smaller tank, smaller coverage area, and shorter run time.
NOVA
Dim the lights and enjoy the show. Set the multicolor LED nightlight on your favorite color, or let the NOVA cycle through its entire rainbow of glow. In addition to being really pretty and putting out a lot of mist, the NOVA has just about every feature you can imagine: built-in humidistat, timer, remote control, temperature display, silent operation, and a night mode that turns off all the display lights but keeps the unit running (perfect for bedrooms). You can add your favorite essential oils directly to the water. Home Depot customers rate it a 4.2 and it gets a 4.1 on Amazon.
Ultrasonic model - no wick needed
Coverage area - up to 750 square feet
Tank capacity - 1.2 gallons
Maximum run time - 45 hours
Fan speeds - 3
DUET
If you just can't decide between a cool mist humidifier and a warm mist model, the DUET lets you have both. Switch between cool and warm mist with the touch of a button. Large buttons on the DUET's front panel also control the built-in humidistat, fan speeds, mist output, timer, and nightlight. The DUET also has an essential oil diffuser tray. It gets a 4.5 from Home Depot customer reviews.
Ultrasonic model - no wick needed
Coverage area - up to 700 square feet
Tank capacity - 1.2 gallons
Maximum run time - 48 hours
Fan speeds - 5
If you like a more natural look, the MESA cool and warm mist ultrasonic humidifier comes in a gorgeous walnut-tone finish.
