The Best Dehumidifiers for Basements of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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To control the humidity of the air downstairs—and thwart the growth of mold and mildew—get the right device.
Dehumidifiers for basement ventilation reduce the likelihood of mold and mildew growth leading to cleaner, safer air in your home. Since basements are located below ground level, they tend to absorb moisture from surrounding soil, making them damp and musty. Besides damaging furniture and other items stored in the basement, mold spores can incite respiratory and allergic disorders when inhaled.
Tim David, a 30-year veteran HVAC technician and founder of Airlucent.com, says that basement humidity starts with “moisture migration from the soil around the basement seeping into the structure.” He explains, “If the basement has poor ventilation or draining, it will prevent the moisture from escaping, thus causing humidity.” When that happens, the damp environment becomes a haven for mold, mildew, and pest infestations.
If you’re in the market for an appliance that can remove excess moisture from the air to improve air quality and help alleviate pest and allergy problems, then read on. In this guide, we’ll explain how several popular basement dehumidifiers performed in our hands-on tests. We love the Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier With Built-In Pump because of its 1,500-square-foot coverage area, 50-pint capacity, compact size, automatic operation settings, and built-in 24-hour timer.
While giving the lowdown on our top picks, we’ll also cover how to choose the best dehumidifiers for basements and other areas in your home.
- BEST OVERALL: Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier With Built-in Pump
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: GE ADHR22LB 22-Pint Dehumidifier With Smart Dry
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR SMALL BASEMENTS: Vremi 22-Pint Dehumidifier
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR LARGE BASEMENTS: Ivation Large-Capacity Dehumidifier With Pump
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SMART: LG PuriCare 50-Pint Wi-Fi-Enabled Dehumidifier
↓ Jump to Review - BEST COMPACT: Midea Cube 20-Pint Smart Control Dehumidifier
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WITH PUMP: GE APEL50LZ 50-Pint Dehumidifier
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR BASEMENT BEDROOMS: hOmeLabs HME020030N 22-Pint Dehumidifier
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR COLD BASEMENTS: Honeywell 50-Pint Dehumidifier
↓ Jump to Review
How We Tested the Best Dehumidifiers for Basements
After researching more than 20 appliance brands and 30 dehumidifiers, we selected our top ten choices for testing. All of our picks are Energy Star certified for operational efficiency. These picks represent a wide range of options suited for different budgets and specific needs, such as models that are ideal for unheated basements.
Dehumidifier moisture control ratings are based on lab testing at 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 60 percent relative humidity. For real-world results, we tested each of these models in an unfinished walkout basement that shares a wall with a crawl space. During our testing, the basement temperature varied from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity levels ranged between 40 and 70 percent. Our goal was to observe the operational details that make a difference to users, such as ease of use and noise level, as well as a subjective comparison of how the air felt and smelled while using each one.
We measured the physical dimensions of each unit and noted the manufacturer’s moisture removal specs (using pints per 24 hours as a baseline standard). We then ran each unit for 12 hours as it drained into its collection bucket, followed by 72 hours draining into the basement sump. We evaluated each unit according to its air intake and discharge configuration, noise level, the time it took to fill up its collection bucket at higher and lower temperatures, and how effectively it operated while in a continuous drain configuration.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 9 |
| Hours spent testing | 24 |
| Tests performed | 3 |
| Price range | $173 to $356 |
Our Top Picks
Each of these basement dehumidifiers received high customer reviews and performed well in our independent testing. Whether you’re looking for a small, medium, or large basement dehumidifier, one of these powerful machines could be the right choice.
Best Overall
Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier With Built-in Pump
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Noise 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Capacity: 50 pints
- Coverage: 1,500 square feet
- Dimensions: 24.75 inches tall by 16 inches wide by 12.25 inches deep
What We Like
- Compact unit with castors for mobility; well suited to common basement sizes
- Doesn’t rely on a gravity drain thanks to built-in pump and 3 fan speeds
- Features include auto shutoff, auto restart, and 24-hour timer
- Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control with the Frigidaire app, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant
What We Don’t Like
- Optional drain hose not included; must be purchased separately
Read our full review: Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier With Built-in Pump
Considering the wide range of attractive options on the market, it’s not easy to choose the best dehumidifiers for basements, but the Frigidaire takes our top spot for its combination of control, efficiency, and user-friendly features.
This compact unit has a 50-pint capacity suitable for spaces of up to 1,500 square feet. It features a built-in 24-hour timer, which will restart automatically in the event of a power outage. The three-speed fan gives control over airflow, and the washable filter captures dust and dust mites.
The 2.11-gallon bucket is front mounted, so it’s easy to access, and it comes with a convenient carry handle. There is an automatic shutoff to prevent overflowing. The built-in pump offers continuous draining as an alternative, but a hose will need to be purchased separately (an ordinary garden hose is fine). Castors are fitted to make moving the dehumidifier easy, and at 41 pounds, it isn’t too heavy to be carried upstairs if required.
While all of the dehumidifiers in our test accomplished the task of moisture removal in the same way, what separated this model from the rest was its convenience functions. For example, in our test, the large bucket took nearly 8 hours to fill, which allows the dehumidifier to run nearly constantly overnight or throughout the workday. Three of the competitors filled up after only 6 to 7 hours of runtime, which meant they would automatically stop running for a while overnight or while we were away.
The other feature that made this unit stand out from the others was its smart-control capability, which saved us from making trips up and down the basement stairs. As long as we had a Wi-Fi connection, we could power the unit on and off, adjust the targeted humidity setting, or change the fan’s speed. All this can be done with the Frigidaire app, or by voice with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Get the Frigidaire dehumidifier for basements at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Bang For The Buck
GE ADHR22LB 22-Pint Dehumidifier With Smart Dry
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Noise 4/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Capacity: 22 pints
- Coverage: 1,500 square feet
- Dimensions: 19.5 inches tall by 13.5 inches wide by 10 inches deep
What We Like
- A compact yet full-featured model ideal for those on a limited budget
- Easy-to-use digital controls with auto defrost, auto restart, and filter change reminder
- Alarm warns when bucket is full, and there’s a gravity drain alternative
What We Don’t Like
- Drain hose not included; must purchase separately to use gravity-drain function
Basement bedrooms are a popular home improvement option, but high humidity can wreak havoc on soft furnishings, bedding, and mattresses. This budget-friendly quiet and compact 22-pint GE dehumidifier could be the ideal solution to control basement bedroom humidity.
The unit’s top-mounted LCD screen provides control over the on/off timer and humidity level. Once the latter is set, the Smart Dry function means the dehumidifier can be left to run automatically. The three-speed fan automatically boosts airflow when the humidity gets too high. Dust is removed by a washable filter. There is an auto restart should power be interrupted as well as auto defrost.
Buckets generally have an overflow shutoff, but the 1.1-gallon bucket on this GE dehumidifier also provides a useful audible alarm.
In our tests, the GE 22-pint dehumidifier was one of the quietest models, so the noise is less likely to keep the user awake. It took more than 9 hours for the large bucket to fill, allowing for a full night’s sleep without tripping the full bucket alarm. Discharging dry air from the top of the unit helped to push moist air downward toward the intake, ultimately creating uniform conditions throughout the room. Those with access to a floor drain or sump pump can take advantage of the continuous gravity-drain feature, but a drain hose was not included.
Get the GE 22-pint dehumidifier for basements at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.
Best for Small Basements
Vremi 22-Pint Dehumidifier
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Noise 4/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Capacity: 22 pints
- Coverage: 1,500 square feet
- Dimensions: 19.9 inches tall by 16.1 inches wide by 10.4 inches deep
What We Like
- Offers all the features necessary for small basements at a competitive price
- Turbo mode for rapid dehumidifying; anti-frost setting for all-year operation
- Light overall weight and useful built-in handles make it easy to carry
What We Don’t Like
- Small water-tank capacity; frequent emptying may be necessary
At just 33.1 pounds, the compact Vremi dehumidifier is remarkably lightweight, yet it still offers the range of features one would expect from much larger models. Its portability is further enhanced by handles built into the top of the casing.
The desired humidity level can be dialed in via the control panel, but the Vremi is very much designed for unattended operation. It will run automatically until the tank is full, at which point it will shut itself off until emptied. There is also an anti-frost setting for efficient operation in cool temperatures, auto restart in case of a power outage, and a timer.
The only real challenge with this otherwise excellent and very affordable device is its 0.8-gallon water tank, which might need emptying relatively frequently. It can be configured to continuously drain, though a hose is not included.
The Vremi 22-pint dehumidifier operated quietly and efficiently, rolled smoothly on its casters, and was easy to operate. It was a bit bulkier than most of the other 22-pint models in our test group, but it also had a slightly more stylish design. Like the two previously mentioned models, this one features a rear intake with a side discharge. In our basement with a 10-foot ceiling, the dehumidifier tended to maintain a pocket of dry air closer to floor level with humidity rising closer to the ceiling.
Get the Vremi dehumidifier for basements at Amazon, Walmart, or Vremi.
Best for Large Basements
Ivation Large-Capacity Dehumidifier With Pump
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Noise 4/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Capacity: 50 pints
- Coverage: 4,500 square feet
- Dimensions: 23.5 inches tall by 15.28 inches wide by 11.1 inches deep
What We Like
- Can maintain selected humidity in areas as large as 4,500 square feet
- Timer allows for optimal control; auto shutoff and frost sensor
- The pump allows for continuous operation, and a 16-foot hose is included
What We Don’t Like
- A bit noisier than most of our top picks
With an adjustable fan speed, an easy-to-program LCD interface, and the ability to maintain preselected humidity levels in large areas, the Ivation dehumidifier is a top-rated option for basements.
With its 50-pint capacity, this is an especially great choice for large basements. Consumers can monitor the current humidity level and program the unit to turn on at preset times. The Ivation comes equipped with an easy-empty 2.25-gallon tank and an optional hose connection. It features a 16-watt built-in pump capable of pumping water as high as 16.4 vertical feet. It also has an automatic shutoff and a restart sensor that detects frost buildup and turns the unit off to allow the frost to melt before turning back on.
The Ivation dehumidifier provided similar moisture removal results to the other 50-pint models in our test group, but it stood out for its versatility. Thanks to its large 2.25-gallon bucket, it was capable of providing the longest operational time before needing to be emptied—a little more than 8.5 hours. It was well balanced and easy to empty when full. The onboard condensate pump allowed us to pump the water to a sink drain for effortless disposal. We also liked that it came with an auto-restart feature in case of power failure and a defrost feature for use in cool-weather operation.
Get the Ivation dehumidifier for basements at Amazon.
Best Smart
LG PuriCare 50-Pint WiFi-Enabled Dehumidifier
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Noise 4/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Capacity: 50 pints
- Coverage: 1,000 square feet
- Dimensions: 26.2 inches tall by 16.8 inches wide by 12.6 inches deep
What We Like
- Can be monitored and controlled via smartphone, so it’s adjustable even when out of the house
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, providing hands-free voice activation
- High-capacity bucket with overflow alert; pump for continuous draining
What We Don’t Like
- Only available in black, which may not be to everyone’s taste
With its black metal casing, the high-quality LG PuriCare dehumidifier makes a striking first impression. It is stronger than many plastic models, though at 45 pounds, there isn’t much of a weight penalty. It is also relatively quiet for a machine at this performance level.
A clear LED panel provides a timer and humidity level controls. There is an overflow alarm and an auto shutoff that enables the dehumidifier to “rest” for 1 hour in every 24-hour cycle to prevent overheating. The bucket is side loading and has a 1.7-gallon capacity. Continuous draining is an option, and the LG also has a pump, so water can be fed to a sink above the height of the unit if necessary.
Paired with the SmartThinQ app, the unit features smart controls. The LG dehumidifier can be started and stopped remotely via phone, and a full bucket alert can be received. Compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant provides further home integration options.
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