The American Academy of Dermatology recommends, amongst other things, using a humidifier helps to relieve dry skin. Unlike the Dyson and Philips models above, you’ll have no problem seeing the mist coming out of the Eva because it creates more vapour than Strokkur Geysir. In fact, at full bore it produces a plume nearly a metre high that spreads to a width of around 40cm at its highest point, so there’s no question of you wondering whether it’s working properly. Over time, the humidifier has helped in alleviating dry skin and sinus problems, although we have noticed a bit of a ripe smell coming from the tank, so regular cleaning is a must. If you’re looking for an inexpensive humidifier that can blend into small to medium spaces while still delivering powerful results, this one more than fits the bill. The small yet mighty humidifier has a capacity of 0.6 gallons and was able to increase the humidity by 51% within a two-foot range and 37% within a 10-foot range after running on the highest setting for eight hours. However, it’s worth noting that after this time period, only about 0.5 cups of water remained in the tank, so make sure you’re prepared for frequent refills. While the limited capacity may be inconvenient for those who want to use the humidifier for extended periods of time, it makes up for it in convenience—the portable size comfortably fits on a nightstand or bedside table, and allows for easy transport from room to room. It also features a 180-degree rotating mist nozzle which allows you to target the mist toward specific areas. Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air and can have varying effects based on how high or low it is. "High humidity causes the air to feel warmer than it actually is and can cause you to overheat," says Carver. "It also encourages the growth of dust mites and mold, which can trigger asthma and/or allergies. They both thrive in high humidity levels above 50%. Low humidity can cause your skin, eyes (including your eyelids), nose, and lips to dry out. It can also result in a dry, sore throat, as well as worsen eczema and asthma."

Since it only has one unmarked button, it can be difficult to determine whether it’s on the intermittent or continuous setting. The manufacturer highlights the humidifier’s ability to cover up to 500 square feet, making it ideal for large living spaces. In our testing, the humidifier increased the humidity of our space by an average of 8% on the high setting from 10 feet away. In addition to its output, we were pleasantly surprised by how quiet the humidifier was in our testing. The soft bubbling sound proved non-disruptive, even on the highest setting. The unit comes is one of the more expensive models we tested, which may feel unnecessary for those who plan to only use the device seasonally. However, the filter-free design contributes to this cost, eliminating the need for filter replacements. But note that since it doesn’t have a filter, you may want to use distilled water to ensure purity. With adjustable mist settings, you can customize the humidity level according to your preference. Whether you need a subtle mist for relaxation or a more substantial output for a larger room, our rain cloud humidifiers provide flexibility to meet your needs.

2. Rain Cloud Night Light

Here’s the full list of humidifiers we tested, feel free to jump straight to them or keep scrolling:

We found the setup to be very easy; however, cleanup proved a little more difficult. The reservoir’s opening wasn’t big enough to fit our hands, so it required a brush to clean it out. Although this humidifier doesn’t feature fancy extras like a digital display, smart device compatibility, or a humidistat, it still outperformed many higher-priced models in terms of effectiveness and design. According to the brand, this humidifier is suitable for spaces up to 500 square feet. From a two-foot distance, the unit increased the humidity of our space by an average of 53% on the highest setting, and 27% from a 10-foot distance. After running the tank overnight for three days, we still had excess water left over. It continued performing well, even after using it for six months.

What else should you look for in a humidifier?

Immediately upon turning on this humidifier, a visible mist appeared and the white indicator light switched on to signal that the machine was in use. The ultrasonic operation was practically silent, and there was no leaking or puddling. We particularly loved the nozzle sprayer attachment that allows you to direct the flow of the mist to where it’s most needed.