Last Updated on April 13, 2021 If you have an older home or apartment, you’ve probably noticed the problems associated with letting moisture build up from bathing and showering. Older home and apartments generally don’t have ANY type of exhaust port for moisture, which can lead to peeling or bubbling paint, stains, and even mold.
But that’s not to say this problem is exclusive to older home-owners.
If you’re dealing with a build up of moisture in your bathroom due to showering, it may be time to consider a bathroom dehumidifier. Simply running one during a shower and following a shower for a few minutes can drastically reduce the amount of moisture that ultimately ends up on your walls, floors, and other bathroom items.
And it’s not just about avoiding water damage.
Maybe you share a bathroom with roommates? Or live in a home with only one bathroom that’s shared between the entire family? It can be hard to finish getting ready for the day if your mirror is fogged up to no end!
Between the damage and the inconvenience of a foggy mirror, we decided it was time to look into the best bathroom dehumidifier available on the market. We spent hours of time researching and developing this list, along with a buying guide to help you decide on the right choice for you. Everything from the size of your bathroom to the ease-of-use are worth considering when making a purchase like this. So let’s get to it!
Our Top 5 Choices
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The Best Bathroom Dehumidifier
Pro Breeze Electric Mini Bathroom Dehumidifier
- Dimensions: 7 in. x 6 in. x 11 in.
- Material: Plastic
- Dehumidifying Type: Thermo-Electric
- Wattage: 20W
This little machine, designed to remove mold and moisture in areas as big as 150 square feet, is ideal for very small spaces. It uses thermo-electric cooling (instead of the usual compressor) to deliver a quiet and energy-efficient performance—one reviewer even noted that it was silent from just two feet away. It pulls up to 9 ounces of liquid out of the air per day, and automatically shuts off when its 18 ounce tank is full, eliminating the risk of overflow. To empty the tank, the user can pull out a plug and pour the water down the sink. Lightweight and compact, it’s doubly easy to move around and easy to set up. The wattage is about 20 watts, so this won’t break the bank. All-around it’s a solid and safe choice, and it’s clearly rated highly for good reason.
HAUTURE Electric Mini Bathroom Dehumidifier
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- Dimensions: 5.7 in. x 5.7 in. x 8.9 in.
- Material: Plastic and Metal
- Dehumidifying Type: Thermo-Electric
- Wattage: 30W
This one looks the most technologically advanced—and fortunately it delivers on more than just good looks. Unlike many of its competitors, the Hauture bathroom dehumidifier has a touch-screen that allows the user to make selections for personalized use. The touch-screen shows green light to indicate that the machine is working, orange light when it needs to be emptied, and can even be completely dimmed for minimal disturbance. The bathroom dehumidifier promises a noise level under 33 decibels and covers spaces for up to 170 square feet. It sucks 10 ounces of moisture out of the air in a day, making it a great option for hot bathrooms or for homes in areas that get a lot of rainfall. It also features a defrosting mechanism, which is a huge bonus, and works in temperatures as low as 41ºF. This is a snazzy option (be careful here: it might steal your thunder) for homes hot and cold.
Honati Home Bathroom Dehumidifier
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- Dimensions: 8.98 in. x 5.9 in. x 14.65 in.
- Material: Plastic
- Dehumidifying Type: Thermo-Electric
- Wattage: 25W
This device weighs in at under six pounds, so while it’s heavier than some other models, it’s still fairly light and easy to relocate. Like most other dehumidifiers, it won’t work in environments where the temperature is under about 50ºF. The noise level is unfortunately around 60 decibels, but this louder noise would be unnoticeable at the office or in a common living space. It can hold almost 68 ounces of liquid from the air and can extract about 25 ounces per day. This is a huge intake for a mini electric bathroom dehumidifier, so the Honati gets extra points in the performance department. When full, a light will flash yellow, and the whole thing will automatically turn off. Honati offers a modern design in white, and is definitely not too large or obtrusive to fit into tight rooms. That being said, it is most water-absorbent in small spaces, whether that be your RV, your baby’s room, or your bathroom.
Afloia Electric Home Bathroom Dehumidifier
- Dimensions: 13.86 x 6.54 x 4.33 inches
- Material: Plastic
- Dehumidifying Type: Compression
- Wattage: 25W
Perhaps this Afloia bathroom dehumidifier’s most remarkable feature is its produced sound, which is reported to be under 35 decibels. It processes 10 to 11 ounces of water per day, and its 30 ounce tank can easily be removed. Reviewers report that the removal process is not too cumbersome or time-consuming, and say that they only need to pour out water every few days. While the actual amount it removes may be quite a bit less than some of the others, it’s important to remember that the Afloia is only intensely efficient in small spaces. It gets glowing reviews from people with small bathrooms and offices, and many say that the dampness on their floors was completely cleared after a few days of usage. Its design allows it not only to suck moisture from the air, but water from the walls and condensation from the windows. All of Afloia’s dehumidifiers have been tested by an in-house engineering team, a point they stress rather heavily, so it’s guaranteed to be both safe and effective. Frankly, with a tiny rounded frame and a cheerful blue color on its roof, this bathroom dehumidifier is just plain cute, though it may not be adequately powerful.
LONOVE Small Bathroom Dehumidifier
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- Dimensions: 6.3 in. x 5.16 in. x 11.14 in.
- Material: Plastic and Metal
- Dehumidifying Type: Thermo-Electric
- Wattage: 20W
The small LONOVE bathroom dehumidifier promises to keep air humidity below the 50% threshold. This may seem just to be a fabricated selling point, but low humidity below about that level really is beneficial to human pulmonary health. The machine draws out moisture by using a fan to send air over refrigerated coils, which in turn take the water from the air and deposit it into the dehumidifier’s 12 ounce tank. Its highly advertised “360º airflow action” means that the device uses up to 45% less energy than a regular bathroom dehumidifier (one that only takes in air vertically) would, and thus captures the air more efficiently. This machine works on the quieter end of the sound scale, checking in at below 35 decibels. The dehumidifier only has one on-off button, which makes manual operation straightforward and hassle-free. On the flipside, the fact that it only has one button for one purpose means that it offers no presets or special functions.
Our “best of the rest” section highlights bathroom dehumidifiers that are more than capable but just don’t quite touch our top 5. They all offer something a little different, and may actually offer something better for you than those in our top picks. The Luby machine is incredibly quiet, but is lacking in the performance department. On the flip side, the LATITOP option is loud but praised for its removal of water in small spaces. The choice really depends on what features you prioritize.
Best of the Rest
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Pro Breeze Electric Mini Bathroom Dehumidifier
- Dimensions: 6.6 in. x 9 in. x 12.69 in.
- Material: Plastic
- Dehumidifying Type: Thermo-Electric
- Wattage: 22W
This dehumidifier, the follow-up to its smaller relative, is capable of holding up to 18 ounces of water per day in a 52 ounce tank. The company says that it works best in spaces smaller than 250 square feet, but multiple reviews on Amazon stress that you should really get two if you’re trying to drain a mid-size room of serious water buildup. As with many bathroom dehumidifiers, it uses Peltier technology to thermo-electrically cool the air while staying relatively silent. Two indicators on the device show it being either “on” or “full,” clearly showing you when it needs to be emptied. This machine has been rated well by owners of motor homes, who emphasize its efficiency in small spaces. It is a little louder than some comparable bathroom dehumidifiers, but the difference is not dramatic. This is a fine option for someone with a wet bathroom or small room, but don’t assume it will work in larger settings—a couple reviewers living in RVs say they had to buy two units to get the effect they wanted.
COSVII Small Bathroom Dehumidifier
- Dimensions: 6.3 in. x 5.12 in. x 10.63 in.
- Material: ABS Plastic
- Dehumidifying Type: Thermo-Electric
- Wattage: 20W
This operates most efficiently at about 80% humidity, works slowly at under 60% humidity, and will not work at all below 40% humidity… Hey, at least they’re honest. It removes a little over 8 ounces of water a day and holds about 17 ounces total in its tank. COSVII cautions that the power adapter becomes quite warm during usage, an effect that thoroughly freaks out reviewers, but that this is completely normal. As with many of these bathroom dehumidifiers, it really only works in tiny environments—the company itself advertises cabinets and wardrobes as ideal spaces. It comes equipped with an automatic shutdown once the water capacity is reached, and is simple to empty out. Its design is white and purple, so this may not blend into your surroundings as well as the more one-toned machines. Reviewers say that this works very well to get rid of mold and is successful at clearing out the weird smells that humid homes give off.
Hysure Quiet and Portable Bathroom Dehumidifier
- Dimensions: 12 in. x 6 in. x 5.7 in.
- Material: Plastic and Metal
- Dehumidifying Type: Thermo-Electric
- Wattage: 23W
The Hysure bathroom dehumidifier is one of the quietest on this list, claiming to work at under 33 decibels. The Hysure is boldly modern and pleasingly unfussy: it is rounded, white (or black!), and rather chunky. It may not blend into the background as well as some others, but its design is certainly impressive. If you like the look, feel, and size of the Hauture bathroom dehumidifier we talked about earlier, but want to cut back a bit on cost, the Hysure is a great option (as of right now, it’s about $10 cheaper). This one is also equipped with a smart LED indicator light on the top of the machine, but is sadly sans touch-screen button. This dehumidifier uses advanced semiconductor technology to absorb water faster than its chemical counterparts. There are some complaints that the tank, which extracts up to 10 ounces per day, is difficult to remove. On the upside, it comes with a 2-year warranty and the company is flexible with exchanges or refunds.
LATITOP Small Bathroom Dehumidifier
- Dimensions: 9.84 in. x 5.91 in. x 13.78 in.
- Material: ABS Plastic
- Dehumidifying Type: Thermo-Electric
- Wattage: 24W
The Latitop is comparatively a monster in our set of bathroom dehumidifiers, with a reservoir capable of holding up to 68 ounces in its tank, or about 24 ounces a day. It operates at around 45 decibels, which is a trade-off for its slightly larger size. It’s ideal for rooms smaller than 400 square feet, and its large air intake unit allows for broader absorption. Like most modern bathroom dehumidifiers, this comes with an automatic shutdown function and has an indicator light. The adapter is made with flame-retardant material, and is professionally certified to be safe. Some customers complain that it’s not as efficient as it claims and some even say that it stops working after a couple months, so tread with caution if you’re looking to buy a long-term addition to your home. Overall, this is a good option if you’re looking for something a little bigger than your average mini dehumidifier.
Afloia Bathroom Dehumidifier
- Dimensions: 15 in. x 10 in. x 7.5 in.
- Material: ABS Plastic
- Dehumidifying Type: Thermo-Electric
- Wattage: 22W
Yes, an Afloia again! This is the larger version of the model described earlier on this list. It holds a total of 52 ounces, a big jump from its half-sized cousin. The top of the device comes off for easy cleaning, and there’s no risk of mold buildup inside the machine, which is a surprisingly (or not so surprisingly) common problem with bathroom dehumidifiers. Most of its features mirror the smaller version, but work more efficiently in slightly larger spaces. Because the air vents are on the front and sides, it’s important not to block the unit. That requirement means this might not be ideal for a super cramped or object-crowded space. Although it claims to work at under 30 decibels, some reviewers warn that it’s not that quiet and is instead just acceptably noisy. For this reason, it might work best in an environment where noise is not a large concern, like a bathroom or living area.
Hysure Household Bathroom Dehumidifier
- Dimensions: 11.2 in. x 6.4 in. x 5.2 in.
- Material: ABS Plastic
- Dehumidifying Type: Thermo-Electric
- Wattage: 23W
This is on the smaller side, so it won’t dramatically increase your electricity bill and it’s easy to move around. It operates quietly at 23 watts and under 37 decibels, but on the downside, the company mentions no product warranty. It grasps up to 8.4 ounces per day for a total storage capacity of almost 17 ounces. That’s a pretty small number, so if your space is extra humid, make sure the automatic shutoff function is working properly—one owner warned that it sometimes overflows when not manually checked and turned off. It has no options for presets or adjustments, unlike some other machines higher up on this list. Customers say that it works in mildly humid spaces (and very small spaces at that) far better than it works in intensely humid spaces (like hot bathrooms). Despite some of these disheartening downsides, one important thing to note is its price: at under $30, this is a perfect choice for someone on a budget (we’re looking at you, college students!).
Luby Compact Bathroom Dehumidifier
- Dimensions: 8.1 in. x 5.9 in. x 12 in.
- Material: ABS Plastic
- Dehumidifying Type: Thermo-Electric
- Wattage: 25W
This one holds up to 52 ounces of liquid and covers up to 215 square feet. It’s remarkably energy-efficient—it uses only 25 watts during operation. Because of this, it’s a great choice for an eco-conscious consumer. The Luby bathroom dehumidifier is possibly the quietest on this list, claiming to operate at under 26 decibels. Something like this would be ideal for a bedroom, especially one belonging to noise-sensitive ears (your toddler wants a quiet night!). According to owners, it doesn’t do much to deodorize, which is a function it advertises. This is certainly a downside, but its low level of noise is highly praised and might make up for its deficiency. It is also pretty heavily criticized for its minimal efficiency—it really only works in very small spaces, like tiny bathrooms and closets.
Buying Guide
Buying a bathroom dehumidifier can be pretty low on your list of home-improvement chores. But the purchase is anything but trivial—having one is crucial for healthful air quality and can turn a damp basement into a refreshing part of home. Dehumidifiers drastically cut down on condensation, mold, and the growth of harmful bacteria. They make an especially big difference in old homes and in wetter parts of the world.
There are 3 main types: compressor dehumidifiers, thermo-electric dehumidifiers, and desiccant dehumidifiers.
The ones we describe here are all thermo-electric, meaning they convert electricity into a created temperature difference (also called the Peltier effect). Most are quiet, energy-efficient, and relatively small in size. They’re capable of removing fewer than a dozen ounces of water from the air per day, so they’re perfect for small spaces, and are most often purchased by people with humid bathrooms, RVs, closets, basements, crawl-spaces, or office cubicles.
The trade off to this eco-friendly and modest design is the occasional lack of quality—many of the parts are made cheaply overseas. We’ve made this informational guide so that you can strike a balance between price, quality, and whatever other features you desire most.
Here are the things to look out for when purchasing a dehumidifier
- Decibel level: depending on where you’re placing your bathroom dehumidifier, noise level will make or break your happiness with the product. If you need one in your room, you definitely want a quiet machine. Look for noise levels around and under 30 decibels if that sounds like you.
- Square footage: Companies often use measurements to deceive buyers. Standardize your measurements—look at square footage if you know your room’s square footage. Cubic foot measurements turn out to be bigger numbers than sq ft. measurements, so products give off the impression of covering larger areas than they actually do.
- Automatic functions: Most dehumidifiers admittedly have very few options for presets. However, the range of functionality is quite broad. Having automatic shut-down power is an incredibly important feature that cannot be underestimated. Some of these machines are better than others at turning off when full, so look out for ones that get high reviews in terms of automatic function.
- Ease/Simplicity: The clunkiness of these devices matters. If your bathroom dehumidifier is hard to take apart, you’ll be less inclined to empty its water tank, and your bathroom dehumidifier just won’t work. Another thing to consider is the intuitiveness of the machine. If its buttons or components are in weird places, or if they don’t make sense to you, don’t buy it. Look for the machines you can easily tap to turn on and off and ones that have an easy-access tank.
- Design: This might sound like an obvious one, but remember to consider color and shape. Most are either completely black or completely white, but even these two choices profoundly impact the look of the whole space. Dark colors match cooler tones better, while white might stick out in a dark space. In addition, some of the products are shaded off-white, and a few even show other colors completely.
Our Summary
Our top 5 listed above were chosen because of their balance of user-friendly features and actual performance (efficiency, durability, capacity, etc.).
The first bathroom dehumidifier on our list is made by Pro Breeze, whose quality is tried and true. We know their machines will work as advertised, and we know the buyer’s relationship with the company will be rewarding. The complaint that comes up the most is durability—according to some, this is a great short-term solution, but the machine has to be replaced after about six months. Take that with a grain of salt—far more reviewers have zero complaints about longevity. This one is the happy medium between cost, quality, and design, and it is incredibly straightforward to use. This combination makes the Pro Breeze a reliable choice for all-around ease and accessibility.
The next one, the Hauture bathroom dehumidifier , is by far the most modern-looking. It features a touch-screen—that’s right, no buttons—and a sloping top that emits light (which you can turn off) reminiscent of a halo. Most importantly, it offers a defrosting function, which is a rarity among mini electric dehumidifiers. This means it will continue to work in very low temperatures, and thus gives you more “bang for your buck.” It’s quiet, sleek, and effective. That being said, it did receive a handful of negative reviews on Amazon related to draining capacity. A couple people say it’s more aesthetically pleasing than anything else, so don’t buy this one if you need absolute power.
In third place is Honati’s bathroom dehumidifier. This pick might surprise you, because, as you’ll read, it works at about 60 decibels and won’t function below 50ºF. Despite these drawbacks, we’ve included it because of its sheer power: it takes in about 25 ounces a day, far more than its top competitors. Its design is also attractive and blends in especially well in white spaces. We think it’s a great option for buyers concerned with performance and aesthetics.
The last two in our top choices list are pretty similar. They both extract about the same amount of water and are approximately the same size. Afloia is a well-trusted name in the home appliances business, but both get shining reviews.