Best Travel Humidifiers

Dry air can cause serious irritation on your skin, nose, lips, and throat. To protect you from dryness, humidifiers add moisture into the air. From long flights, fluctuating temperature outside, to poorly air-conditioned hotel rooms, humidity levels can change drastically when you travel, especially during extreme weather conditions. The good news is, humidifiers now come in highly portable yet efficient models to bring you comfort on the go. 

Different travel humidifiers excel at different features. What’s most suitable for you depends on your needs and preferences. Let our top 8 picks be your guide in choosing the best travel humidifier.

Summary

Best in Portability: Fancii

Fancii FC-AM2PH Water Bottle Humidifier
  • Light, compact, cordless 
  • Battery-operated
  • Adjustable timer

Best Humidifier for Road Trips: InnoGear

InnoGear Car Diffuser Humidifier
  • 50 ml capacity
  • Essential oil diffuser
  • Two mist modes

Best Value: MovTip

MOVTIP Portable Mini Humidifier
  • 500 ml capacity
  • Easy operation
  • Two mist modes

Best Water Bottle Humidifier: BONECO

Boneco 7146 Water Bottle Humidifier
  • Light and compact
  • Up to 1 gallon per day output

Best with Essential Oils: URPOWER

URPOWER Cool Mist Humidifier
  • Essential oil diffuser
  • 100 ml capacity
  • Color changing night light

Best Medium-Sized Portable Humidifier: LEVOIT

Levoit Dual 100 Cool Mist Humidifier
  • 1.8L/0.8gal capacity
  • Essential oil diffuser
  • Three mist levels

Best Travel Humidifiers Review

Fancii Cool Mist Personal Mini Humidifier

This portable humidifier has everything you need and more all packed in a device as compact and light as 3.52 ounces. Instead of a water tank, the Fancii Cool Mist Personal Humidifier uses a standard-sized water bottle (around 500 ml or 16 oz) to moisten the air and improve air quality in your bedroom, car, or even during a long flight. 

It runs for a maximum of eight hours (after which the unit automatically shuts off) or you can set a timer for two, four, or six hours. Its whisper-quiet operation ensures you get quality sleep anywhere you go. The simple, sleek design also earns points for us. 

This tiny beast is powered by three AA batteries which can last up to 18 hours, or plugged to a source through the included USB cable. Also provided when you buy this unit are three cotton filters – each can last one to two months. 

The only drawback is that you need plastic bottles with standard necks, anything else won’t work. And if you want your humidifier to diffuse your favorite essential oils, then Fancii might not be your first choice. Otherwise, you really can’t go wrong with this one.

Pros

  • Lightweight, unique design
  • Battery operated
  • Timer function

Cons

  • Low durability
  • Requires water bottles

Innogear Car Diffuser and Mini Humidifier

Lightweight and compact, this Innogear car diffuser and travel humidifier is the perfect road trip buddy. It is specially designed to fit almost any car cup holder. With the two buttons on the top, you can safely operate this device from anywhere. Simply plug the included USB cable into a power outlet and relax with your choice of scented oil instantly. It shuts off automatically when the water runs out.

This compact humidifier also comes with colored LED light to help set the mood in your car or bedroom. You can choose between two mist modes – continuous and intermittent. Its 50 ml capacity can last hours depending on the size of the space you want to humidify. It will probably not run as long as some of the models in this list but it does its job just as well.

Pros

  • Perfect for cars
  • Essential oil diffuser
  • LED light

Cons

  • Small capacity

MovTip Cool Mist Humidifier

Perhaps after a long day of travelling you just want to jump straight to bed and rest. This MovTip mini humidifier does anything but complicate your life. A single button on this device offers the simplest solution to lack of moisture in your room, vehicle, or anywhere else. The built-in water tank can hold up to 500ml, lasting 12 to 18 hours depending on the mist mode. One push gives you continuous mist, a second push, intermittent.

A USB cord is included as well as a night light that can be turned on and off with long presses of the button. The humidifier makes virtually no noise and features an auto shut-off function so you can sleep peacefully wherever you go. If you want a trouble-free experience at an affordable price, this model is a strong contender for the best travel humidifier.

Pros

  • Easy use and maintenance
  • Long runtime

BONECO Travel Humidifier

Sleek and compact, this ultrasonic mini humidifier by BONECO can go anywhere with you. Without a built-in water tank, it is one of the smallest in our list. Like most water bottle humidifiers, this model is only suitable for standard-neck 16- or 20-ounce water bottles. It can produce high mist output of up to one gallon per day.

It has an adjustable knob that allows you to control the humidity level and volume of mist output up to 80 ml per hour. There is a blue indicator light that cannot be turned off while the device is operating. It changes to red when the water is running low and the humidifier will shut off automatically. This unit includes a cleaning brush and a travel bag for storage.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • High output

Cons

  • Requires plastic bottles
  • Cannot turn off light

URPOWER Essential Oil Diffuser

Working both as a diffuser and humidifier, this model creates the most relaxing environment for the active traveller. With a 100 ml capacity, it runs up to three hours on continuous mist setting and six hours on intermittent setting. Similar to the rest of our picks, this mini humidifier shuts off automatically when the water level is low.

This modern design includes seven color-changing LED lamps with adjustable dimness to maximize your comfort. It is light and compact enough to fit in your luggage if you need that extra moisture and aroma to prevent allergies and dry skin from ruining your vacation.

Pros

  • Essential oil diffuser
  • Colorful LED light

Cons

  • Low capacity

LEVOIT Dual 100 Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

The Dual 100 by LEVOIT is a humidifier and aroma diffuser in one portable device. The Ultrasonic technology produces ultra fine mist up to 220ml per hour. The top-fill design makes water-refilling a breeze anywhere you go.

The largest model in this list, the Dual 100 can hold up to 1.7 liters of water and run for as long as 10 hours in a small- to medium-sized hotel room. Just save ample space in your weekender bag and you can ensure fresh air and a comfortable atmosphere for you and your travel companions.

Some users have found it difficult to clean every nook and cranny, which may cause less than optimal performance. There are also a few comments about the safety of this device. If you can meet all the maintenance requirements, this is one of the best portable humidifiers for your travels and your home.

Pros

  • High capacity
  • Large coverage area
  • Essential oil diffuser

Cons

  • High maintenance
  • Best for bigger rooms

What to Consider when Choosing a Travel Humidifier

With so many options available in the market today, it can be an overwhelming task to choose the best travel humidifier. Luckily, we made the job easier for you. Here are some features you may want to consider before making your choice. 

Portability

Depending on the frequency and duration of your trips or how much you’ll be moving around, you may not want to lug a heavy, bulky device with you. Travel humidifiers come in many different sizes and shapes for your convenience. Some of the smallest designs can even fit in the palm of your hand. Those that come without an internal tank may be your first choice if portability is most important to you.

Run time

Smaller capacity typically means shorter run time. Keep in mind that the climate of the place will also play a role in how hard your humidifier needs to work in order to balance the air quality. The dryer it is, the more water you need and the shorter your device can last. If you want a unit that can run overnight, consider getting a humidifier with a larger capacity.

Output

This won’t really matter if you’re only using the humidifier for yourself or in a very small space. However, if you’re staying with several people in the same room or you want it to work in a larger space overnight, you need a device that can handle the job. The bigger the space, the more moisture it requires.

Power source

It can be a hassle to bring cords and adaptors when you’re saving much needed space in your luggage. But if that’s not a problem for you, most travel humidifiers can be plugged into a wall socket or through a USB source. For the adventurous backpackers, you may want to consider getting a battery-powered cool mist humidifier.

User friendliness

Simplicity is key for some of us. If you don’t want to rack your brain trying to operate your humidifier, get one that works as easily as pushing a button. You don’t need to compromise ease for functionality.

Ability to work with essential oils

Some brands are generous enough to offer both a humidifier and a diffuser in a single device. For absolute comfort and relaxation, you may want to look for a humidifier that works with essential oils just as well. Pour a few drops of peppermint or other oils and avoid that nasty seasonal allergy. 

Other features

Most of the models in our list include a nightlight to soothe you or help you navigate in a dark room. You can also find useful additions like the auto shut-off feature and different mist settings. If you’re conscious about your plastic usage, it might be best to get a humidifier with a designated water storage instead of working with plastic water bottles.

Types of Humidifiers

Cool Mist Humidifiers

The most common type is called an evaporative humidifier. It uses a wick filter to absorb water from the reservoir. A fan then blows through the filter, letting the moisture evaporate. They are safe for children and pets. This type of humidifier self-regulates. As humidity levels increase, it becomes more difficult to evaporate water.

An ultrasonic humidifier is best used at night because of its nearly soundless operation. It produces a cool mist using high-frequency vibrating metal diaphragm instead of a fan. Some cool mist humidifiers also work as a diffuser of essential oils.

Pure Enrichment MistAire XL Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Humidifier

Warm Mist Humidifiers

A steam humidifier or vaporizer emits warm mist. It has an internal heater that boils water before releasing the warm steam into the air. It can reduce bacterial contamination and dust accumulation. Although, there is an added risk of burns. This type of humidifier is great for cough and cold symptoms.

Vicks V745A Warm Mist Humidifier

Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier

FAQ

Can you leave a humidifier on while you sleep?

Yes! Sleeping in a harsh environment with dry air can cause serious harm to your health. All the models we listed have the auto shut-off feature to protect you and the device.

Where should you place your humidifier?

It depends on your power supply but ideally, it must be at least a few feet away from you and above the ground. It should also face open air or moisture will accumulate in one place.

Conclusion

There isn’t one answer to the best travel humidifier. Each individual has a different lifestyle that calls for different needs. We’ve highlighted the best model in each category to help you decide. Whatever you choose, it is always the health and comfort of you and your family that come first.

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