Best Cheap Humidifiers Under $50

Comparison Chart

Humidifiers Under $50 Buyers Guide

Still not entirely sure about which humidifier type is right for you? Don’t worry–because we’ve covered everything you need to know about humidifers in our Buyer’s Guide. We’ve also taken the time to answer some frequently asked questions to help you shop with confidence and feel absolutely sure that the humidifier you’ve picked up is right for you.

Humidifier Types

You’ll notice that the five humidifiers on our list range between two different types of humidifiers–specifically, between ultrasonic and steam options.

Although most affordable humidifiers are going to come in ultrasonic or impeller variants, it’s still important that you be able to recognize the four major types of humidifiers. This is especially true if you plan to utilize your humidifier’s medicine cup or need a humidifier for allergies.

Typically, all humidifiers can be categorized into the following for sub-groups:

• • Steam – Also known as “vaporizers,” these humidifiers work by boiling water and releasing that steam into the air to increase your room’s humidity. For more information on the difference between humidifiers and vaporizers as a whole, check out our article on the subject.
  • Ultrasonic – These humidifiers utilize vibrations to transfer water into cool mist, and release that mist into the air.
  • Impeller – Similar to ultrasonic humidifiers, these use diffusers to release cool mist into the air
  • Evaporative – Traditionally the rarest of the major four types, these humidifiers use a cloth or wick to release humidity

Pros & Cons

There are benefits and issues with each of the four major types of humidifiers. For example, while ultrasonic and impeller models are often the cheapest, the way they operate can make it all too easy for bacteria and mold to grow deep within the units. You’ll need to regularly clean out your humidifier and only use filtered water if opting for one of these units.

Likewise, many people appreciate the antibacterial nature of steam humidifiers. At the same time, the heat involved can make vaporizers frustrating to use in the summer–not to mention dangerous to operate around pets and small children. Evaporative models tend to last the longest but are also the loudest and most expensive of the four units.

For easy reference, we recommend consulting our table below to uncover which of the four major types of humidifiers may be right for you:

Extra Features & Other Important Info

It’s important to remember that cheaper humidifiers aren’t going to come with the features that many are looking for. Likewise, if you have your heart set on an evaporative or steam option, you may want to hold out until you can afford a more expensive model.

Still, we think the five vaporizers on our list come with everything you need to keep your home at healthy levels of humidity. Playing to the strengths of your unit and paying close attention to the limitations will help you ensure your dollar stretches as far as possible.

FAQ

What is the normal price range for humidifiers in general?

Portable humidifiers and large room humidifiers will cost you anywhere between $20 and $400, depending on the model, features, room coverage, and performance. Of course, there are more expensive whole house humidifiers as well that could cost you upwards of a thousand dollars.

Are cheap humidifiers worth it?

Yes, there are cheap humidifiers that are worth it — like the ones on this list. You need to be cautious though when purchasing cheaper models: manufacturers will always advertise them in a way that makes them seem bigger and better than they actually are, which is why a lot of people fall victim to false advertising claims.

To determine whether a cheap humidifier is worth it, make sure to get acquainted with the different characteristics a good humidifier should have (i.e.: high humidity output, large water tank, decent room coverage, low noise level, etc.), and decide which are essential to you. A cheap humidifier can simply be a humidifier with fewer features; make sure, however, that the features that it does have are working well.

What do you have to give up when you pay for less?

As with everything else in life, there are bound to be trade-offs when you pay for less. When it comes to purchasing cheap humidifiers, you’re probably foregoing smart features like an auto or sleep mode, low water indicator, or automatic shut off feature.

Cheaper models also generally have less room coverage and lower humidity output than more expensive models. In addition, cheaper humidifiers also tend to be single mist models, which means cheap dual mist humidifiers are very difficult to find.

In a nutshell, most cheap humidifiers have the bare minimum in terms of power, performance, and features. If you’re lucky enough to have found yourself on this page, then you’ve found the few gems in the humidifier market that give you the most bang for your buck without breaking the bank!

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of humidifiers out there at different price points, all serving the same purpose: to make your home a more comfortable place to live in. If you can add this comfort and save a few dollars, then you’ve succeeded.

After much thought, we decided that the best cheap humidifier you can get for less than $50 is none other than the Levoit LV450CH. It just ticks all the right boxes: large tank capacity, large room coverage, high mist output, and a modest price tag. It’s easy on the eyes, too, and does its job quietly and efficiently without ratcheting up your electricity bill. Despite some minor flaws, you get the most bang for your buck with the LV450CH.

In the end, regardless of how much your humidifier costs, there’s no denying that having one will greatly benefit everyone at home. The range of benefits ultimately give your home a healthier, more comfortable feeling, and that sensation is priceless.