Too much humidity can be a problem for homes, leading to damage and decay (if you know you know). But there is a viable solution: The best dehumidifiers for basements pull excess moisture from the environment, helping to prevent the need for costly repairs down the line. For basements, we chose the Black + Decker 4500 Square Foot Dehumidifier as the best dehumidifier for basements overall thanks to its vast area of coverage and ease of use.
The best dehumidifiers for basements and other damp spaces in your home help keep them dry ... [+] year-round. Self Priming Slurry Pump
Dehumidifiers are fairly straightforward to use: Once plugged in, adjust the settings to your liking and let it do its thing. It’s recommended that dehumidifiers run in lower levels of the home, like basements or crawl spaces, if you have one.
Space is a big factor when choosing the best dehumidifier for your basement. “Most dehumidifiers measure their workload in square footage, so just make sure the square footage of your basement area falls within the range listed on the unit’s specifications,” says Mallory Micetich, a home care expert at Angi. Beyond that, the right dehumidifier for you is largely a matter of personal preference.
To determine the best dehumidifiers for basements and other spaces at home that are prone to dampness, we identified and reviewed the bestselling and top-rated devices on the market. Then, we judged them by efficiency, value and noise. Below, you’ll find a list of the best dehumidifiers for basements to keep them dry the whole year through. If you’re looking for more ways to improve your indoor air quality, see our favorite humidifiers, tower fans and air purifiers, too.
Capacity: 50 pints | Coverage: 4,500 square feet | Dimensions: 12 x 16 x 25 inches | Noise level: 51 decibels
This dehumidifier from Black + Decker made the top of our list because of its features that meet most needs but doesn't come with a high price tag. This model covers up to 4,500 square feet, which cover most basements and extracts 50 pints of water every 24 hours. If you need your machine to work a little harder during select hours the day the 24-hour timer will come in handy.
The machine has a removable, washable mesh filter that you can use time and time again. It also has a built-in pump that comes with a 16.4-foot drain hose. It’s controlled by an electronic control panel with LED digital display that's also easy to read. To make it even better: The dehumidifier operates at a noise level that doesn’t surpass 51 decibels. While it isn’t exactly silent, you'll hear more of a low hum instead of a loud gurgling sound. It is also Energy Star-certified for efficiency which won’t make your utility bill skyrocket.
Capacity: 70 pints | Coverage: 4,000 square feet | Dimensions: 25 x 12 x 16 inches | Noise level: 51 decibels
Honeywell’s TP70PWKN is a high-capacity dehumidifier that can accommodate large spaces up to 4,000 square feet by removing up to 70 pints of water from the air per day. If you’re new to dehumidifier shopping, don’t be confused by the two seemingly contradictory sets of numbers; this model is also routinely advertised as a 50-pint model, for example. The reason is a revised DOE testing system implemented in 2019 that reduced the estimated effectiveness of many models. The important point is to make sure you compare apples to apples when shopping for a dehumidifier.
This Honeywell model is available with or without a pump—this is the pump version. Unfortunately, the pump doesn't kick in until the built-in 14-pint water tank is full, at which time you can automatically drain the appliance with an included hose up or down up to 15 feet away. It has a digital humidistat that automatically controls the system based on moisture level in the room and has a digital status display so you can see the humidity at a glance from feet away.
It’s safe to leave the TP70PWKN for unattended operation. If you’re using the built-in tank, it has an auto shut-off for when it’s full and can auto restart after a power failure. It’s also easy to move around thanks to four rolling casters, and it has a handy handle for moving and carrying it as well. Finally, the five-year warranty is one of the longest in the industry, so you can be confident it’s a safe investment.
Capacity: 35 pints | Coverage: 3,000 square feet | Dimensions: 24 x 15 x 11 inches | Noise level: 55 decibels
The hOmeLabs HME020006N Dehumidifier comes in a few sizes, from a compact 30-pint model all the way up to a 70-pint version that rivals the Honeywell 70 Pint Dehumidifier earlier in this list. We’re focusing on the 50-pint model (35 pints per day using the revised 2019 DOE standard) because it’s a superb middleweight dehumidifier that can handle about 3,000 square foot spaces. It includes a removable 13-pint water tank, and can be set to run continuously until the tank is full, at which time it’ll shut down automatically. Alternately, you can connect a drain hose for continuous draining, though there’s no integrated pump, which might limit your drainage options (you can’t run the hose upward to a sink or window, for example).
This dehumidifier is a “fire and forget” model, though the top of the case has a digital humidity display and a row of buttons for configuring operations. Need to increase the moisture removal for short periods of time? A turbo setting kicks up the fan speed from 165 cubic feet per minute to 188 CFM. And unlike many competing models, this is an appliance you don't need to consign to the basement; its simple styling and clean lines would not look out of place in a more elegant room that needs moisture removal. Mounted on wheels and weighing just 40 pounds, you can move it around easily, though there’s no carrying handle on top.
Capacity: 22 pints | Coverage: 2,000 square feet | Dimensions: 20 x 13 x 10 inches | Noise level: Unspecified
Not every situation calls for a high-capacity dehumidifier, and you can save a lot of money by buying a more modestly powered model. Ivation’s is an excellent portable appliance that checks virtually every box you might be interested in; it’s programmable with a built-in LED humidity sensor, so you can set the humidity level you want your room to maintain, it shuts off when the built-in water tank fills, and can automatically restart when needed.
Ivation offers three versions of this dehumidifier in sizes from 70 pints down to 30 pints and more—it’s the 22 pint model that we’re recommending for smaller spaces up to about 2,000 square feet. It has an easy-to-empty 0.8 gallon water tank and a drain hose hookup, though no pump—so you’ll probably need to run the water to a floor drain.
While the Ivation isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing dehumidifier on the market, it offers clear digital controls on top with the ability to set the desired humidity level, enable the 24-hour timer, choose between two fan speeds and watch for the filter status. It’s also quite portable thanks to the rolling casters and 29-pound frame.
Capacity: 20 pints | Coverage: 1,500 square feet | Dimensions: 21 x 15 x 11 inches | Noise level: 51 decibels
While most portable dehumidifiers are priced above $200, there are a handful of quality models you can get for less. The Tosot 20-Pint Dehumidifier is one such dehumidifier—not only is it often priced under $200, it’s relatively quiet. The Tosot 50-pint dehumidifier manages to run at a peak of just 51 decibels, which is about the same volume as a quiet conversation between a few people in your living room. You’ll know it’s on, but it’s not exhausting to listen to.
This appliance can pull 20 pints out of the air—and that’s using the revised 2019 DOE system. It includes a programmable thermostat, so you can dial in the humidity level you want, and you can rely on the 1 gallon bucket or drain captured water via the hose connection. Despite the low noise, it has a pump to let you draw the water up, down or sideways up to 12 feet away. It’ll run automatically until the bucket fills, or full time if you’re using the drain hose.
Tosot designs its appliances with an eye towards style, and this model genuinely does not look like a dehumidifier—great if you need to put it in a room that gets foot traffic. There’s a simple set of controls on top for choosing the humidity level, timer and fan speed.
Capacity: 50 pints | Coverage: 400 square feet | Dimensions: 25 x 16 x 13 inches | Noise level: 47 decibels
If you don’t like the idea of going down to the basement just to check on your dehumidifier, you might be interested in the Frigidaire FGAC5044W1—one of the few smart dehumidifiers on the market. This 50-pint model includes Wi-Fi and connects to a mobile app for iPhone or Android, and it also works with voice commands via Alexa and Google Assistant. Using the app, you can remotely turn the appliance on or off, adjust the desired humidity level and get notified if the water bucket needs to be emptied. You’ll need a solid Wi-Fi signal in the basement (or wherever you place the dehumidifier) so you might want to check on that before investing in this model.
Aside from the high-tech Wi-Fi feature, this is a fairly typical high-capacity dehumidifier. It can remove up to 50 pints of moisture from the air each day and has both a drain hose connection and a larger-than-average 16-pint water bucket. There's an automatic shut off when the bucket is full and you’re not using the drain hose. You won’t get an integrated pump, though, so your drainage options may be limited. The controls (if you don’t use the mobile app) are top-mounted, where you’ll also find a handle to easily move it around. Of course, it also rolls on four casters. Finally, you get three fan speeds whereas most dehumidifiers generally have just two.
Capacity: 22 pints | Coverage: 1,500 square feet | Dimensions: 20 x 16 x 11 inches | Noise level: 43 decibels
Dehumidifiers are not known for being especially quiet, and many models can make quite a racket. If you’re planning to place one in the basement or crawlspace, that might be fine, but if you need it upstairs among human beings, how loud it is becomes an important consideration. This dehumidifier makes a mere 43 decibels and it punches well above its weight. It removes 22 pints of water from the air each day and can easily accommodate a basement or other space up to 1,500 square feet. It’s also among the smallest and lightest models we’ve seen, weighing just 34 pounds (and especially easy to move around thanks to its four casters, top-mounted carrying handle and even a pair of side handles).
It includes three fan speeds and has an automatic shut-off when the large 16-pint water tank is full. You can also configure it to drain continuously, though you’ll need to attach a hose and run it to a nearby drain for that. There’s no pump built in, but you probably expected that given the unit’s low cost and small size. You can use the top-mounted controls to run it on a 24-hour cycle, adjust the desired humidity and choose a fan setting.
Capacity: 70 pints | Coverage: 5,000 square feet | Dimensions: 24 x 15 x 11 inches | Noise level: 48 decibels
The Shinco dehumidifier is the ultimate hands-off machine. It has a handy built-in drain port and pump so it can empty automatically. There’s also a sleep timer, so you can set the dehumidifier to flip on at a set time every day. (However, you can run it all day if you like—it has a continuous 24-hour cycle setting and will operate until the tank is full.) The LED screen is easy to read and shows your room’s current humidity levels, along with your target.
This machine efficiently filters out 70 pints of water a day, easily adjusting the humidity from 80% to 30% in up to 5,000 square feet. Given its high capacity, you can use this dehumidifier just about anywhere, including large basements. It’s also Energy Star Certified, costing 30% less to operate than those that don’t have this distinction. And, with a 48 decibel peak, this device isn’t any louder than normal conversation.
Capacity: 50 pints | Coverage: 1,000 square feet | Dimensions: 26 x 13 x 17 inches | Noise level: 48 decibels
Dehumidifiers are designed to operate in damp spaces, but cold temperatures are a different story. The LG PuriCare works in spaces as cold as 41 degrees, so you can feel comfortable using it in a chilly area. This machine is packed with features to make your experience easy, including digital controls and a clear bucket that allows you to keep tabs on the water level with a glance. The PuriCare looks sleek enough to use in an open space and features a quiet operation of just 48 decibels—below the noise level you’d find with a standard dehumidifier. Enjoy safety features like an airflow blockage alarm and 23-hour operation with an hour off to prevent overheating.
The Forbes Vetted editors, like all consumers, want products that work efficiently, hold up to regular use and help make daily life a little bit easier. To find the best dehumidifiers for basements, we took our home concerns and maintenance tasks into consideration. When we evaluate products like best dehumidifiers for basements, we look at all the bells, whistles and functions that make these machines ideal for efficiently trapping moisture that’s in the surrounding environment.
In addition to articles about how to dehumidify our homes, we have also written, researched and, in some cases, tested a slew of yard and lawn-related content. This includes input on the best robot mops and tower fans to help achieve a more optimal living space.
We refresh this story regularly and it was last updated September 2023.
To find the best dehumidifiers for basements, we found and reviewed bestsellers and pinpointed top-rated models. From there, we analyzed the value of each unit and considered criteria like efficiency, value and noise. Buyer ratings were also heavily considered, and we only included products with an average 4-star rating or higher.
A dehumidifier is not a one-size-fits-all machine, so one that works well for one basement might not be a good fit for another. Consider these factors when making your purchase.
Before you go shopping for a machine, it’s important to know the size of your basement (or space) and where you aim to plant it. Dehumidifiers are designed to work within a certain square footage, so ideally, you want a machine that’s made to tackle the size of your space. If, for example, you need the device to cover 1,500 square feet, you don’t want to shell out money for one that’s made to tackle 5,000 square feet.
A dehumidifier’s capacity is determined by the amount of moisture it can remove from the air in 24 hours. This is typically measured in pints, and most residential machines can capture between 30 pints to 70 pints in a day. If you have a high level of moisture in your home, opt for a model with a larger capacity so you don’t have to empty it as often.
Many people prefer dehumidifiers with pumps, which automatically drain the collected moisture through a tube that’s connected to a sink or pipe. Models without pumps contain reservoirs that need to be emptied when they fill up to capacity.
There are a few elements to look for when shopping for a dehumidifier. Keep these in mind on your search.
One of the biggest factors in choosing a dehumidifier is coverage. Each dehumidifier will specify a coverage size—and there is a large on the market. Some smaller machines cover 1,000 square feet, while larger ones can tackle up to 4,000 or more square feet. The Honeywell 70-Pint, for example, has the capacity to handle up to 4,000 square feet and our top choice, the Black + Decker 4500 Sq Ft With Pump, pushes 4,500 square feet. Ultimately, it’s best to measure the area you want to target and purchase a device based on your measurements.
Like many home appliances, dehumidifiers require some level of energy. An Energy Star rating ensures that your device won’t suck up unnecessary power, saving you money in the process. “If you want to reduce your energy consumption, consider switching to an Energy Star-certified dehumidifier, which uses 15% less energy than traditional units,” Micetich advises. Some units also have energy-saving options like automatic and energy-saving modes to cut down on energy usage as well, says Aaron Wilson, home appliance expert at JustAnswer.
A dehumidifier’s fan speed dictates how much air the machine can suck in and, consequently, how quickly it can work. Ideally, you’d choose a machine with multiple fan speeds (and most have this feature). If you need to lower the humidity fast, set your speed to a higher level. Once the moisture level has fallen, it can transition to a lower—and more energy-saving—setting.
Dehumidifiers can be admittedly noisy, and it’s fairly unlikely you will find a machine that’s completely silent. Many dehumidifiers don’t advertise their sound level at all, but clock in around 58 to 61 decibels, which is around the normal conversation range. However, there are a few that are in the 40s— a similar level to a refrigerator hum. That includes the Frigidaire 22-Pint dehumidifier, which has an impressively low 43-decibel operation level. If your dehumidifier will be tucked away in your basement in a storage room, noise is unlikely to be an issue for you. But if you plan to have it out next to where people will spend time, consider investing in a quieter machine.
Dehumidifiers pull moisture from the air, but that water has to go somewhere once the job is complete. You have options at this point: Some dehumidifiers drain into a bucket that needs to be emptied regularly, while others hook up to a hose to drain into a sink or other area. Some machines give you the option to do both. The right choice really comes down to personal preference and drain access. If you plan to use your dehumidifier nowhere near a drain, it’s best to choose an option that dispenses into a bucket. But if you have a drain nearby, you may want to consider a hose to save yourself the hassle of needing to constantly empty a bucket full of water.
Dehumidifiers also give you options for pumps. A pump will automatically help drain moisture that’s pulled from your air into a sink or pipe, saving you from having to empty a bucket. But dehumidifiers without pumps have buckets that need to be monitored and periodically emptied. The right choice for you ultimately comes down to your time, drain access and budget.
Most dehumidifiers work by drawing air through cooling coils. When the moisture in the air hits the coil, the molecules lose heat and condense; the water that condensates then runs into a drain or collects in a tank that must be emptied manually. Simultaneously, the dry air that enters the appliance is warmed before it’s ejected; this is so the air doesn’t chill the room it’s venting into.
While there are some large, whole-house dehumidifiers, most people can get by with smaller, more portable models. To determine the ideal size and capacity for your space, note the square footage of your basement and buy a model that’s designed for that size.
It depends on the size of your basement. “To choose the best dehumidifier for your basement, you'll need to know the size of your basement so you can get a dehumidifier that is powerful enough for your square footage,” Wilson says. “Also, you'll want to look at getting a dehumidifier specifically for basements as they usually have a larger water reservoir in case there is no way to drain the water that is pulled out of the air by the unit.” Luckily, there is a large range of dehumidifier capacities on the market. “If your basement falls at the very top of the range, you can consider getting a larger unit for the best results,” Micetich says.
Not necessarily. Many dehumidifiers have energy-saving modes or automatic modes that will keep your humidity level at a select range instead of running all the time, Wilson says. “As a rule of thumb, your home’s humidity levels should fall between 30% and 50%,” Micetich says. “If your humidity levels are higher than 50%, you should run your dehumidifier until they fall within the range. This could take just a few hours or several days, depending on the size of the basement and the starting humidity levels.” Her suggestion: Get an indoor humidity monitor—or dehumidifier with built-in monitor—to keep an eye on your basement’s humidity levels.”
Dehumidifiers tend to use more electricity when they’re hard at work—meaning, when humidity levels are high. “However, once it has pulled enough moisture out of the air and can then run on auto mode, it is much more conservative on the energy usage,” Wilson says. Overall, though, “dehumidifiers are relatively energy-efficient appliances, taking up much less electricity than other household appliances like microwaves, toasters and dishwashers,” Micetich says. But if you run your dehumidifier night and day, it could cost you $1 to $2 a day, she says.
I am a senior editor at Forbes, as well as the author of White House, Inc.: How Donald Trump Turned the Presidency into a Business. I write about money in politics, with an emphasis on the businesses of Donald Trump.
\r\n\r\nFind me on Twitter or Facebook.
I am a senior editor at Forbes, as well as the author of White House, Inc.: How Donald Trump Turned the Presidency into a Business. I write about money in politics, with an emphasis on the businesses of Donald Trump.
\r\n\r\nFind me on Twitter or Facebook.
I am an accomplished author, journalist, and photographer who specializes in consumer technologies. Please visit my website at www.JasonRich.com and check out my eBook, \"iPhone 14 Pro Max Digital Photography\" (www.iPhoneBookShop.com). I am also the author of The Remote Worker's Handbook (Entrepreneur Books) that'll be published in March 2023.
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