Humidifiers perform one simple, yet integral, role in our lives: to add moisture to otherwise arid air.

Dry air can cause you a world of discomfort, with side-effects such as itchy skin, chapped lips, clogged sinuses, and more frequent allergic reactions. While it may not seem like something you need right now, a humidifier can do wonders for your health and personal comfort.

Those who want to have this added moisture on-the-go can look into water bottle humidifiers, which are specifically designed for convenience and portability. They’re more compact versions of a standard humidifier that use a water bottle in place of a built-in water tank. They’re small enough to put into your handbag or backpack and do an excellent job of humidifying small areas like hotel rooms and offices.

We’ve put together a list of the best water bottle humidifiers available on the market to help you decide which of them would fit your style, budget, and needs.

  • Includes an adapter for conventional water bottles
  • Comes with a travel pouch
  • Mist output can be adjusted
  • Comes with a 1-year Warranty

  • Includes a preset timer
  • Battery operated design
  • Can be recharged using a USB charger
  • Includes a 1.5-year Warranty

  • Mist output can be adjusted
  • Includes an adapter for conventional water bottles
  • Virtually silent ultrasonic technology included
  • Comes with a 1-Year Warranty

  • Includes variable mist output
  • Virtually silent ultrasonic technology
  • Highly compact design is easy to transport
  • Includes a 1-year Warranty

  • Offers universal voltage for use at home and abroad
  • Fold-out leg offers greater balance for heavier bottles
  • Auto shut-off feature automatically triggers when the bottle is empty
  • Comes with a 5-year warranty


Boneco has long been producing top-of-the-line humidifiers, and the U7146 is as powerful as water bottle humidifiers can get. With a daily humidity output of 1 gallon and a rating to cover spaces up to 215 sq. ft. in size, perfect for small bedrooms, hotel rooms, and offices.

The U7146 boasts the basic features that you would need from a humidifier, including a low water indicator and an automatic shut off feature. It’s important to note, though, that several users have complained of the indicator lights on the U7146 to be glaringly bright. Fortunately, you can purchase an opaque nozzle from Boneco without the indicator lights.

It’s no surprise that the U7146 is priced a little higher than the other water bottle humidifiers on this list. You can save in the long run, though, because it doesn’t need any filters to be replaced and is very energy efficient.

Pros

  • High output
  • Good coverage
  • Low water indicator
  • Automatic shut off
  • No filters to replace
  • Quiet

Cons

  • Expensive for a water bottle humidifier
  • Very bright LED lights


The Fancii Aquamist II is the smallest of the bunch, but it is by no means any less effective. The Aquamist II comes in a sleek, white design, reminiscent of a compact mirror. It fits perfectly inside even a small handbag and you can easily take in anywhere you need to go!

Of all the humidifiers in this list, the Aquamist II is the only one that has a cordless design. It can run on three AA batteries and it can also work via a USB cable. Basically, you can use it anywhere, anytime because it doesn’t need to be plugged in to be able to work. It is important to note, though, that the Aquamist II goes through its batteries extremely fast especially if you’re using it for long periods of time.

Another useful feature from the Aquamist II is the preset timer that it has. You can set it to run for 2, 4, or 6 hours before it shuts off automatically. It works very quietly, producing less than 15 decibels of noise. It could almost be perfect for bedtime use, if not for the harsh LED indicator lights. Unfortunately, you can’t escape them because they cannot be turned off while the humidifier is in use. Overall, despite a few minor flaws, the Aquamist II remains an affordable, effective, and convenient option.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Sleek & fashionable design
  • Pre-set timer included
  • USB and battery compatible

Cons

  • Requires replacement filters
  • Consumes batteries instantly
  • Very bright LED lights
  • No low water indicator or auto shut-off

The PureGuardian H500 is the only water bottle humidifier produced by Guardian Technologies, a company famous for its extensive line of air purifiers and humidifiers. It is small, compact, and designed with a dial knob for mist output control.

It lacks, however, the useful options of both a low water indicator and an automatic shut off feature. Another problem with the H500 is that many users have complained of leaking issues while using it. While the cause for this remains to be seen, many speculate it’s a serious design flaw.

The things that the H500 really has going for it are the affordable price, as well as the ease of maintenance and quiet operation. Despite the flaws that it has, there’s no denying that it is still made with the same high standards that you would expect from Guardian Technologies. You even save in the long run because there are no filters to replace and the power consumption is kept low.

Pros

  • Very quiet
  • Easily cleaned and maintained
  • No filters to replace
  • Very durable
  • Easily transported

Cons

  • Leaking problems
  • No low water indicator and automatic shut off

The QLS03 from Hunter is a unique water bottle humidifier that comes in a variety of fun colors and designs. Its shape, however, is somewhat bulky, making it difficult to fit the humidifier in small bags or containers.

As far as water bottle humidifiers go, the QLS03 has a pretty decent daily humidity output of 0.5 gallons. While not as impressive as the U7146, it’s good enough for its price! Unfortunately, with a price tag that cheap, you can’t expect the QLS03 to have any smart features like a low water indicator and automatic shut off feature. It does have the basic dial knob for controlling the mist output, but that’s about it.

The QLS03 is easy to use and operates just as quietly as the other humidifiers on this list. It also doesn’t need any costly filters, making it affordable both upfront and long-term. Be cautious, though: a lot of users have reported issues with durability, saying that their QLS03 would mysteriously stop working after a few uses. While it might not be as shiny and impressive as the other humidifiers on this list, the QLS03 is a great option for budget-minded individuals looking for some quick humidification on the go.

Pros

  • Great daily humidity output
  • Comes in a variety of colors and designs
  • Easy operation
  • No need to replace filters

Cons

  • Bulky design
  • Durability issues
  • No low water indicator and automatic shut off

The final water bottle humidifier on our list offers a small and sleek design–alongside other features to make sure your water bottles never fall over.

The Pure Enrichment MistAire PEHUMINI-2 is one of the smallest overall designs on our list–which is particularly impressive, given some stiff competition. Opting for a thin rectangular design that relies on a fold-out leg for balance, this humidifier maximizes every inch of its footprint.

Other features include universal voltage, which can really appeal to those looking for water bottle humidifiers for travel. The warranty listed is also the longest and best out of any of the other options on our list.

However, a lack of low water indication and a considerable weight given the size of the unit can literally hold this product back from some. Likewise, this humidifier also utilizes an LED mood light that many owners say is too bright for comfort.

Still, if you need a long-term travel solution that runs on little more than a humidifier, this option from Pure Enrichment is certainly worth considering.

Pros

  • Great warranty
  • Affordable
  • Stable operation
  • Highly compact design

Cons

  • No low water indicator
  • Surprisingly heavy design
  • Bright LED light

Comparison Chart

FEATURESBONECO U7146Fancii Aquamist IIPureGuardian H500Hunter QLS03Pure Enrichment MistAire PEHUMINI-2
TypeWater Bottle Humidifier, PortableWater Bottle Humidifier, PortableWater Bottle Humidifier, PortableWater Bottle Humidifier, PortableWater Bottle Humidifier, Portable
Type of MistCoolCoolCoolCoolCool
Type of HumidificationUltrasonicUltrasonicUltrasonicUltrasonicUltrasonic
Room Coverage215 sq. ft.Small roomSmall roomSmall room160 sq. ft.
Tank Capacity0.13 gal0.15 gal0.125 gal0.15 gal0.13 gal
Humidification Performance1 gal/dayN/AN/A0.5 gal/day0.5 gal/day
ControlsDial KnobElectricDial KnobDial KnobDial Knob
Automatic Shut OffYesYesNoNoYes
Low Water IndicatorYesNoNoNoNo
Weight0.66 lbs0.23 lbs0.65 lbs0.55 lbs1.2 lbs
Dimensions2.6 x 4.4 x 35 x 4 x 1.55.75 x 3.5 x 4.754.2 x 4.8 x 4.55.6 x 3 x 3.5
Warranty1 Year1.5 Years1 Year1 Year5 Years

Buyer’s Guide:

Water Bottle Humidifier

Water bottle humidifiers are designed for portability. This means you can take them around with you wherever you go. Those who would benefit from a water bottle humidifier include people who constantly need to travel for work and those who are always on the go.

Water bottle humidifiers can also be brought along on vacations when traveling to places where the air is normally dry. It’s perfect for adults and children alike who suffer from dry skin, chapped lips, itchy eyes, or clogged sinuses.

However, there are several limitations to consider, and when picking the best water bottle humidifier for you, lots of different features could make or break many of these options.

If you’re still unsure of which water bottle humidifier is right for you, consider the following:

Many water bottle humidifiers are designed to fit a wide variety of water bottles–and because of this, they can struggle to maintain a proper seal. Particularly light bottles, bottles with too much water weight, and any non-traditional bottle will run the risk of leaking during operation. At the same time, even a standard water bottle can struggle to not leak in some models.

You’ll need to pay close attention to humidifiers that are known for leaking–this minor nuisance can be a major irritation if you place your humidifier next to valuable objects.

Likewise, many people purchase their water bottle humidifiers for work during the night–and if that sounds like you, you might want to pay attention to the humidifiers with LED indicators and lights. Often, these lights cannot be turned off, and some have been reported to be too bright for comfort in darkened rooms.

Much like with features & indicators, many of these smaller nuisances are worth considering. If you’re traveling and far from home, thinking about the details could help you get a better night’s sleep.

You’ll notice that each of our water bottle humidifier picks utilizes ultrasonic humidification.

For those that don’t know, ultrasonic humidification is one of the most affordable ways to take water and release it into the air. Ultrasonic humidification works utilizing vibrations, so there’s no heating involved in the process. The result is a humid room and cool mist.

There are many great aspects of ultrasonic humidification, but it’s not for everyone. Ultrasonic humidification can sometimes breed bacteria growth, and due to the method of vapor release, dirty water won’t be cleaned or purified as it enters the air.

To make sure you’re satisfied with the type of humidification options available in water bottle humidifiers, consult the following pros and cons list.

ProsCons
  • Cool Mist
  • Easy to clean
  • Little maintenance required
  • Affordable
  • Can breed bacteria & germs
  • Can accumulate white dust

One of the major selling points between water bottle humidifiers are their features that make increasing a room’s humidity all that much easier.

For example, a few of our humidifier picks include an automatic shut-off feature, which can make it easier on homeowners and travelers to prevent energy loss. When running one of these humidifiers overnight, the unit will simply shut off once the bottle is empty.

Likewise, low water indicators can help you keep a continuous stream of vapor running. Once the water runs low, you’ll be sure to catch your unit before needing to rely on an automatic shut-off.

However, many travelers are simply looking for the most affordable and easiest to use option possible. It’ll be up to you and how you hope to use your humidifier to decide if these features & indicators are right for you. For easy reference, here’s what we recommend you consider when purchasing a water bottle humidifer:

Pros Cons
  • Easily portable
  • Easy to use, no complicated modes or controls
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Generally more affordable than standard humidifiers
  • Quieter than standard humidifiers with noise levels less than 25 decibels (quieter than a whisper)
  • Just as effective as standard humidifiers when used in the correct room size
  • Energy efficient
  • Smaller servicing areas (less than 200 sq. ft.)
  • Lower daily humidity output
  • Less durable than standard humidifiers
  • Little to no features, with some models lacking both the low water indicator and automatic shut off feature
  • Not available in a warm mist variant
  • Not as powerful as standard humidifiers

  • What exactly is a water bottle humidifier and how does it work?
  • A water bottle humidifier is a type of portable or travel humidifier. To work, it requires a bottle filled with water to act as a water tank or reservoir. The open bottle is placed upside down on the humidifier and, as the water goes down, it is converted into a fine mist.

    Most water bottle humidifiers use an ultrasonic system wherein a diaphragm vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency. As the water from the bottle goes into the humidifier, the diaphragm breaks the water particles apart into a cool mist. It’s important to note that water bottle humidifiers only produce cool mist (warm mist water bottle humidifiers have yet to be developed).

  • What qualities should I look for in a water bottle humidifier?
  • When it comes to choosing water bottle humidifiers, it’s important to manage your expectations. Water bottle humidifiers are incredibly compact and thus naturally are not capable of humidifying large areas or run for long periods of time. When used correctly, though, water bottle humidifiers can be very effective and just as beneficial as any other type of humidifier.

    Ideally, a water bottle humidifier would have the following attributes:

    1. Able to humidify small areas (around 200 sq. ft. in size)
    2. Have a low water indicator or an automatic shut off feature
    3. Compact and lightweight (weigh less than a pound), it should be small enough to be carried around in a bag
    4. Reasonably priced (nothing over $50)

Final Thoughts

Water bottle humidifiers are handy devices you can take anywhere with you to add moisture to the air. They’re convenient, affordable, and effective, perfect for people who are constantly on the move and traveling!

We believe that the best water bottle humidifier on the market today is the Boneco U7146. It’s got everything that you would need and want from a water bottle humidifier: basic features, ease of use, good performance, and portability. The travel pouch that it comes with is a nice little touch, too, as it protects the humidifier from any damage in your bag.

If you’re not too sure about investing in the U7146, then the Fancii Aquamist II will do just as good of a job. It’s more affordable and more compact but is just as reliable as the U7146. With the added option of being battery-operated or plugged in, the Aquamist II is definitely a steal!

Further Reading