Top 10 Best Portable Humidifiers in 2021 (Pure Enrichment, URPOWER, and More)

Our top 10 favorites were picked based on mist output, mist temperature, power source, and more. 

Every person's situation and environment are different, which is something to think about when purchasing a humidifier. We've covered some ideas you'll want to consider as you continue finding the perfect one! Check them out below.

There are two main ways that humidifiers produce mist: cool ultrasonic diffusion and warm vapor. Each come with their own pros and cons, which we entail in the next section. It is always good to know the differences and benefits of both before sealing in your decision.

Cool mist humidifiers work essentially by dispersing water particles into the air by one of two ways: ultrasonic or evaporation. Evaporative humidifiers use a fan to turn the water into a mist and have a wick filter that keeps bacteria from escaping into the air. However, the fan can make noise so keep this in mind.

The ultrasonic option uses frequency vibrations to create water droplets that emit in the air by a small fan that makes minimal noise compared to the evaporative ones. Make sure to use only distilled water, as others that are full of minerals can create dust if not cleaned properly. 

If you have children or pets, a cool mist humidifier will be a safe option since it does not use heat, reducing the chances of getting burned. You also don't have to worry about using too much energy as these are more conservative electricity wise than humidifiers that use warm vapor.  

The downsides to using cool mist are that it tends to accumulate bacteria growth and can be noisy compared to the warm mist option. Just be sure to clean your humidifier regularly to lower the chances of mold!

Warm mist humidifiers work by heating water to produce steam. Because the water is heated, it reduces the amount of bacteria and germs which in turn, makes it easier for you to maintain its cleanliness. During winter months, it may serve a great benefit to have the warm vapor to help warm the cold air as well!

However, as they heat up these may pose a threat to kids and pets since they may get burned if they are in close proximity or knock it over by accident. They also tend to be a little more expensive both on the buying side and in electricity usage.

All humidifiers get their water from somewhere, and what source you choose will depend on where you plan on using it. Whether you work from home or are taking your next vacation, getting your water source shouldn't be a problem. 

Tanks are eco-friendly with no use of plastic bottles. They hold up to 350 milliliters of water, with the exception of larger ones that can hold as much as a standardized bottle of 500 milliliters. If you are home, this may not be an issue since you can refill as much as you'd like; but if you travel, you may want to reconsider a tank. 

Some things to note are the size of the room, how long you’d like to go between refills, and of course, how dry the air is and how much moisture it needs. The best way to go about this is to check the humidifier’s mist output, which is the amount of milliliters of water that is dispersed per hour. 

For a large room with extremely dry air, you can go with a higher mist output. It produces a greater amount of mist over a short period of time; however, it uses water at a faster rate. Lower mist output is suited for smaller spaces that do not need over-saturation, but instead maintain the moisture needed for a longer period of time. 

For either levels, these factors can vary if set on continuous or interval mode. Continuous mode allows more output in a short amount of time without breaks, whereas spraying in intervals would spread the amount of mist over your ideal amount of time, possibly increasing time in between refills. It's truly up to your preference! 

If you live to travel and want to maintain your health while doing so, portable humidifiers that use water bottles as their water source could be your move. Not having a built-in tank automatically makes a humidifier smaller, more portable, and ultimately frees up space you need. 

While it may be resourceful on-the-go, it is less eco-friendly as it can increase plastic bottle use and possible waste. Depending on your lifestyle of recycling and reusing the water bottle, this may or may not be a deal breaker.

On the other hand, using bottled water can ensure water purity and give you more leverage and versatility to choose the size of the water source. This could range from a standardized water bottle that holds 500 milliliters or a small bottle that holds 236 milliliters. 

When traveling with your humidifier, the last thing you want to worry about is the difference in outlet size and voltage. Save yourself the trouble and go with one that uses batteries or a USB charging port. Batteries are universal and since most electronics work via USB, you should be able to charge your humidifier.

It’s important to keep your humidifier clean so that it works well and gives off a healthy, beneficial spray. Unless your water is perfectly distilled, you’re likely to have some mineral build up, so be generous and wipe it down every few days. Once a week or so, you can swish undiluted white vinegar inside of it for a deeper clean.

If you’re using a built-in tank, change your water at least once daily to prevent stagnant water and bacteria growth. Some tanks are dishwasher safe; however, it is always a good idea to consult the instructions or manufacturer if you are unsure. 

If you've read this far, you're probably well aware of how important air quality is, no matter where you are. Below you can find recommendations to maintain your clean air and keep it smelling fresh, too!

There are amazing benefits in adding a humidifier to your space, whether it's at home, on a staycation, or to use in your next destination. Our list and guide will hopefully bring clarity to what may seem an unending search, giving you options that will cater to any lifestyle. Here's to healthier and cleaner air at your own convenience!

Author: Jacqueline Oshiro

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