Humidifiers are a lifesaver for people affected by allergies, asthma, and generally dry conditions.
Luckily, there are many travel humidifier models that allow you to bring that comfort and relief wherever you go.
In this article, we’ve detailed the numerous features of several travel humidifiers; we hope you find the following information useful as you search for a humidifier to suit your particular needs.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Travel Humidifiers
- OUR TOP PICK: JZK Mini Portable Humidifier
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: HoMedics Personal Ultrasonic Humidifier
- BEST COOL MIST TRAVEL HUMIDIFIER: FIGROL USB Mini Humidifier
Comparison of the Best Travel Humidifiers
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What Makes a Great Travel Humidifier?
To effectively maintain the perfect humidity level when you travel, there are many important factors to consider to find the best model for you.
Portability
Many travel humidifiers have unique, handy designs that ensure they are lightweight and easy to pack. Models that attach to water bottles are convenient because you can travel with just the humidifier unit itself and find a container when you arrive.
Humidify Output
How big is the space you want to humidify? If you plan on mainly using the humidifier in smaller spaces, the range and capacity are not as important. However, if you want to use it overnight or in a larger space, make sure the model you buy has the capability to serve that purpose well.
User-Friendly
The best products are designed with the user in mind. Details like a charger that works with different types of outlets or the flexibility to use different containers as a reservoir make the humidifier easier to use when you are on the go. If you plan on using it overnight, it is also good to look for models that are quiet and do not have an excessively bright indicator light.
Safety
The most important safety feature to check for is some kind of indicator or shut-off feature that is activated by low water levels. Without a feature like this, it is easier for the unit to overheat.
Review of the Best Travel Humidifiers
There is no shortage of travel humidifiers on the market and it can be overwhelming to narrow down the options on your own. Below, we go break down the most important features to consider before buying one.
Best Overall
JZK Mini Portable Humidifier
Specifications
Decibel Level: N/A
Coverage Area: N/A
Tank Size: N/A
Dimensions: 3.9 x 3 x 3.9
Weight: 4.3 pounds
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Review
Our top pick is this orb-shaped model from JZK. It is 3.9 by 3 by 3.9 inches and weighs less than seven ounces. It has an automatic shut-off feature that is activated after eight hours of use, but the container can only hold enough water to produce mist for 2-3 hours at a time.
It emits a calming blue light to help you relax and de-stress. It also operates soundlessly, so it can double as a soothing night light for children. The gentle mist it creates is safe for people of all ages, including infants. It maintains a consistent temperature and isn’t in danger of overheating. It comes with a USB cable and an adapter.
When you purchase this humidifier, it also comes with a replacement filter, instruction manual, and the USB cord with a wall outlet adapter piece.
Bottom Line
This humidifier is quiet and super easy to use, so it fits perfectly in a wide range of settings. You can use it at your work desk without disrupting the office or have it double as a nightlight in your child’s bedroom. It also has a convenient charger that can plug into both DC/AC outlets and USB ports, so you have more flexibility when it needs to recharge.
Pros
Easy to assemble
Lifetime warranty
Soothing blue light
Virtually soundless
Flexible charging options
2-3 hours of mist per refill
Safe for infants and children
Cons
No way to turn off light (stays on whenever it is running)
Best for the Money
HoMedics Personal Ultrasonic Humidifier
Specifications
Decibel Level: N/A
Coverage Area: N/A
Tank Size: 0.05 gallons
Dimensions: 3.6 x 3.89 x 3.6
Weight: 0.34 pounds
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Review
This model is small enough to fit into a purse or backpack, weighing less than one pound and standing 9.75 inches tall. It comes with an AC and USB adapter so it can be recharged using a standard outlet or a variety of other devices. Three wick filters and a user’s manual are also included.
The tank can hold about 200 milliliters of water, which is enough to produce mist for about four continuous hours. There is an automatic shut-off feature to prevent it from continuing to run when the water level is too low.
Bottom Line
This affordable and compact humidifier is best suited for smaller spaces like your work office, car, or bedroom. The tank can hold 200 ml of water, which is enough to produce mist for about four hours. It is super lightweight and portable with two different adapters, so you have some flexibility when it needs to be recharged.
Pros
200 ml tank
Easy to clean
Whisper-quiet operation
Automatic shut-off feature
Small and easy to transport
Cons
Mist does not reach very far (best for small spaces, like an office desk)
Best Cool Mist Travel Humidifier
FIGROL USB Mini Humidifier
Specifications
Decibel Level: N/A
Coverage Area: N/A
Tank Size: N/A
Dimensions: 8.47 x 2.16 x 2.16
Weight: 0.24 pounds
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Review
Winter isn’t the only time you can fall victim to dry conditions. For a cooling mist you can bring with you year-round, this unit from FIGROL is an excellent choice.
This model’s design is similar to those that use water bottles, but it is even more flexible and accessible. Instead of attaching a bottle, you place the thin base of the humidifier into a water-filled container. The length of the base is adjustable so you can customize it to fit in a variety of containers, including mugs and standard water bottles. It is super simple to set up and use. First, find a water container, pour in water, and adjust the length of the humidifier to match it. Allow the cotton core to soak for several minutes before turning the unit on. Then, plug in the USB cable and use the button to start it.
When you order the humidifier, it comes with three cotton cores to use (one long, two short versions) two USB cables, and a user manual.
Bottom Line
This model’s unique and convenient design sets it apart from the rest. The ability to use a range of containers as a water source provides a lot of flexibility. It produces a cooling mist that will help keep the air cool and comfortable. It is important to keep in mind this model needs to be plugged in in order to work, which can sometimes be limiting. Luckily, it uses a USB adapter, which is much more flexible than a standard cord.
Pros
Easy to use
Quiet operation
Ultrasonic technology
Comes with 2 USB cables
Produces fine, cooling mist
Flexible water tank options (adjustable)
Cons
Needs to be plugged in while running
Best by Crane
Crane Travel Cool Mist Humidifier
Specifications
Decibel Level: N/A
Coverage Area: N/A
Tank Size: N/A
Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.9 x 8.5
Weight: 0.27 pounds
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Review
Crane produces a range of quality products, including this excellent travel cool mist humidifier. It is best suited for rooms smaller than 100 square feet. It is constructed from an antimicrobial material, which helps protect against the buildup of mold and bacteria. At two pounds, seven inches tall, and three inches wide, it is super compact and portable. It functions like the FIGROL model; it can be placed into the included tumbler or a variety of other water containers.
Depending on the amount of water and the size of the container, the humidifier can run continuously for up to 10 hours. When the unit is on, it emits a bright blue light.
An extra perk with this model is the carrying bag that comes along with it. Also included are the portable tank and a power adapter that can connect to an outlet or USB port. The automatic shut-off feature activates when the water tank is empty to prevent it from overheating. It is available in several neutral colors, including grey, white, and black.
Bottom Line
This humidifier’s sleek, portable design makes it the perfect travel companion. It comes with an easy-to-clean tumbler but also works with most standard cups, so you can use and refill it anywhere. It produces a bright blue light whenever it is on and running, which is not ideal for overnight use.
Pros
Long run time
Three color options
Lightweight and quiet
Antimicrobial material
Automatic shut-off feature
Included portable tumbler, carry bag, and adapter
Can be used with a tumbler or other standard-sized cups
Cons
LED light is very bright (not ideal for nighttime use)
Best by Air O Swiss
BONECO/Air O Swiss Humidifier
Specifications
Decibel Level: N/A
Coverage Area: N/A
Tank Size: 0.13 gallons
Dimensions: 2.6 x 4.4 x 3
Weight: 1.3 pounds
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Review
Of the many great Air O Swiss products, the BONECO/Air humidifier stands out from the rest for its impressive capacity and flexible charging options.
It boasts a high output with an ability to produce up to one gallon of mist over a 24-hour period. To prevent the accumulation of too much moisture in one area, the unit should be placed at least three feet above the floor and faced towards an open area. You can adjust the humidity level to suit your personal preference.
It comes with a convenient travel bag, a cleaning brush, and an adapter that allows it to connect to bottles ranging from 0.5 liters to 17 ounces. Weighing just 1.3 pounds, this unit is incredibly lightweight and portable as well.
It is operated with an interchangeable plug, making it easy to use around the world. There is also an LED indicator that stays blue while the unit is running and changes to red when the water level is low.
Bottom Line
This unit is a little larger than most travel humidifiers, but it is still lightweight and has a better output capacity that allows you to use it in bigger spaces for a long period of time. It also has interchangeable plugs for flexible charging options. It does not have an automatic shut-off feature, but the LED light changes from blue to red to indicate when the water level is getting low.
Pros
High capacity
Plastic bottle adapter
Interchangeable plugs
Low-water LED indicator
Compact and lightweight
Included travel bag and cleaning brush
Cons
No automatic shut-off feature
Produces a low buzzing noise
Fancii Cool Mist Personal Humidifier
Specifications
Decibel Level: N/A
Coverage Area: N/A
Tank Size: N/A
Dimensions: 5 x 4 x 1.3
Weight: 0.22 pounds
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Review
Lightweight and compact, this mini-humidifier is perfect for a wide variety of places. It is small enough to use in an office, bedroom, or even your car. One of the best perks of this model is its cordless design. It can be operated by three AA batteries or a USB port, so you never have to rely on finding an accessible outlet to recharge it. A single set of batteries should be able to power it for about 18 hours.
It works by converting any water bottle with a standard-sized neck into a reservoir, meaning that you can find a container wherever you go. It uses PureMist technology to humidify and purify the air quickly. When you purchase this humidifier, it comes with three filters and the USB cable but no batteries. It does not operate above 15 decibels, so it is relatively quiet and unobtrusive.
It comes with an adjustable timer that you can set for two, four, six, or eight hour periods and it will automatically shut off when that time has passed.
Bottom Line
With the water bottle tank and cordless design, this is easily one of the most convenient and portable travel humidifiers out there. You are not restricted by any specific tools to use or recharge this model on the go.
As long as you have access to a plastic bottle and a USB port or batteries, you can use it anywhere. It also has an adjustable automatic timer, so you don’t have to worry about it overheating.
Pros
Sleek, modern design
Super quiet operation
Cordless and portable
Utilizes plastic water bottles as reservoirs
Adjustable automatic timer and shut-off feature
Cons
Batteries not included
Best Ultrasonic Model
CLBO Ultrasonic Mini Cool Mist Humidifier
Specifications
Decibel Level: 25 dB
Coverage Area: N/A
Tank Size: 0.16 gallons
Dimensions: 5.28 x 3.27 x 3.94
Weight: 1.23 pounds
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Review
This unit is compact and portable but still able to effectively humidify medium-sized rooms.
Like the Fancii model, it can be used with any standard plastic bottle. This convenient design makes it easy to transport because you just need to bring the unit itself and can buy a water bottle later. This unit has an adjustable control knob that allows you to set the intensity and speed of the mist. Depending on the setting, it can produce up to 90 ml of mist per hour. When the water level is nearly gone, it automatically turns off. The blue indicator light also turns red to alert you when the levels are too low.
Ultrasonic models are known for being much quieter than standard humidifiers and this model is no exception. Its sound does not exceed 25 decibels. You can also add essential oils into the water bottle and diffuse the aroma throughout the room. The humidifier comes with one regular adapter for charging and a user manual.
Bottom Line
Overall, this humidifier has a user-friendly set up that works great at home or on the go. It is super compact but still able to effectively humidify medium-sized rooms. Since it is ultrasonic, it does not require a filter. There is essentially zero cleaning necessary, so it is even easier to avoid bacteria and mold build up.
Pros
No filters
Light indicator
Quiet operation
Aroma diffusion
Nearly zero radiation
Small and lightweight
Automatic shut-off feature
Adjustable mist level knob
Cons
Not all plastic bottles are compatible
Pros and Cons of Using a Humidifier While Traveling
Whether you suffer from chronic sinus congestion or just prefer to have more control over the air quality in your surroundings, a travel humidifier is a worthwhile investment for many reasons.
Pros
Here are some pros:
Health and Comfort
Using a humidifier helps regulate the air by outputting a fine mist. They can help prevent common side effects of dry, cold air, including dry skin, nosebleeds, and chapped lips. They can also be beneficial to those who suffer from allergies and asthma. They even offer smaller benefits, like decreasing the amount of static electricity.
Affordability
Because they are fairly simple devices, travel humidifiers are relatively inexpensive and accessible. You don’t have to break the bank for a quality model.
Portability
Travel humidifiers are often more convenient than regular sized models because you can use them anywhere. They are not limited to one room in your home; you can use the same unit to improve the air quality in both your bedroom and work office.
Cons
Here are some cons:
Not Ideal for Any Environment
Their size is perfect for travel, but it is not ideal for all spaces. Because they are typically quite small and compact, they tend to have a smaller humidity output. If you want to humidify your entire home or even a medium to large room, most travel humidifiers do not have the capacity to do so on their own.
Types of Travel Humidifiers
There are several types of travel humidifiers, each with its own pros and cons.
Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic humidifiers are one of the most common variations. They tend to be a little pricier than other types, but they are one of the quietest models. They produce mist by vibrating a metal diaphragm at an ultrasonic speed.
Evaporative/Wick
This type outputs a soothing cool mist, so they are great for warmer climates. They use some type of filter, usually cloth or a foam wick, to draw water from the water tank and output it as mist. They are simple and easy to use, but the filters need to be replaced regularly.
Impeller
In contrast to evaporative/wick models, impeller humidifiers are best suited for the cold winter months because they produce a warm, comforting mist. They create mist by using a rotating disk to push water through a diffuser.
Steam
Steam models are not the ideal type for traveling. Also called vaporizers, they boil water and then output the warm mist into the surrounding air. They are generally the most affordable but are not as safe or portable.
Conclusion
Whether you want one to keep your allergies at bay or just to create a more calming environment, travel humidifiers are a simple and inexpensive way to enhance the air quality and comfort of any space.
