Best Travel Humidifiers in 2020

Best Travel Humidifiers iMore 2020

• Best Overall: MADETEC Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier
• Best Value: LIUMY Portable Humidifier
• Best Two-way: Smart Frog Multifunctional Humidifier
• Smallest: RELEE Portable Humidifier
• Cleverest Design: Opaceluuk Portable Humidifier
• Most Soothing: Soysehung Portable Humidifier

Best Overall: MADETEC Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier

The soda can-sized MADETEC Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier holds about eight ounces or 230 milliliters of water. It can run for five to 10 hours, depending on which mode you use. Let it spray continuously, and it will go for about five hours. If you put it in interval mode, it will spray once every three seconds for up to 10 hours. This humidifier doubles as a nightlight with seven different LED colors. You can set it to cycle through the colors or stay on one color as you see fit.

Best Value: LIUMY Portable Humidifier

Save space in your luggage because this simple device doesn't even have a water tank. Just place the stick-shaped humidifier into your own water bottle or glass of water. It's adjustable to two different heights, 8.46 inches or 5.39 inches. So, it can fit nicely in either taller or shorter containers. Set the timer for four or eight hours of continuous use from the LIUMY Portable Humidifier. The USB cable that powers this humidifier is included.

Best Two-way: Smart Frog Multifunctional Humidifier

The stick-shaped Smart Frog Multifunctional Humidifier can be used either with the water container it comes with or without. For travel, you can leave the water container at home and use a water bottle or glass instead. If you have an unlimited water source, you can run it for up to 12 continuous hours, or eight if you're using a water bottle. The Smart Frog Multifunctional Humidifier is powered by a USB cable, which is included with your purchase.

Smallest: RELEE Portable Humidifier

The RELEE Portable Humidifier runs on a rechargeable battery. Just plug it into any USB port, then unplug it, fill the water chamber, and turn it on. The humidifier will run for about two hours and 45 minutes on a charge. This tiny dynamo is only 3.9 inches tall and 1.2 inches in diameter. A blue light glows while in use, so it acts as a nightlight as well.

Cleverest design: Opaceluuk Portable Humidifier

The Opaceluuk Portable Humidifier is a small machine, roughly the size and shape of a bagel. You screw an upside-down water bottle into the center, and that acts as your water reservoir. Power it with the included USB cable or use it cordlessly with two AA batteries. Set a timer to run the humidifier for two, four, six, or eight hours. You do need to use a firmer water bottle; a soft bottle can result in leaking. Also, be sure to use the included bottle adapter for a secure fit.

Most Soothing: Soysehung Portable Humidifier

The Soysehung Portable Humidifier has two unusual features. First, it has a light inside that makes the mist look like a candle flame. Second, you can add your favorite essential oil to disperse the scent around the room. Be sure to use 100% pure essential oils; you only need a single drop. The soda can lookalike can hold 6.76 ounces or 200 milliliters of water and run for up to four hours. You can set it to mist continuously or intermittently. A water probe detects when the humidifier has run out of water and shuts off automatically. Choose from three colors: Mint, Pink, or Blue.

Bottom line

A humidifier can keep you more comfortable when the air conditioning is cranked or the cold, dry winter months are upon us. Alleviate cracked lips, bloody noses, and sore throats by keeping the air moist. This can be tough to do while traveling, but packing a small humidifier can help.

No matter which humidifier you choose, be sure to keep it scrupulously clean to avoid spreading contaminants into the air. Distilled or purified water helps keep the humidifier running smoothly and cleanly. You also want to keep your humidity level between 30 and 50 percent, no higher, to avoid mold growth. Always be sure to fill the water reservoir sufficiently. If the water runs out while the humidifier is still running, the device can sustain damage.

Which humidifier you choose will depend on the specific features you need. The MADETEC Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier is an excellent all-around choice. It's pint-sized (actually, just half of a pint with an eight-ounce capacity.) There are two modes, interval mode will run for about 10 hours, and continuous mode will run for about five hours. Also, it doubles as a nightlight with seven different color LED lights it can cycle through or stay on the one you choose.

Credits — The author of this guide