The best dehumidifiers for basements are easy to install and use. Many also have special features that work for your space, such as multiple fan speeds and adjustable humidity settings. Our top pick, Frigidaire Moderate Humidity Dehumidifier, comes in four sizes, has three fan speeds, and can be set up as a continuous system or with an easy-to-empty collection tank. It also has a filter to capture dust, another common occurrence in basements. Not only does this help with air quality, it also ensures that your dehumidifier runs as efficiently as possible. When the filter gets dirty, just remove it, wash it, and reinstall it. You don’t need to worry about replacement filters or parts. The water collection reservoir is also easy to get to and empty. It pulls out right from the front of the unit and has a carrying handle. Just empty it into a utility sink and reinstall when it gets full. There is also a continuous drain option if you want to hook up a drainage hose. There aren’t a lot of cons to this dehumidifier, other than the high price for the capacity. With all of the easy-to-use features, however, and reliability, we think it is still a great value. Putting out just 45 decibels at the lowest of the three fan settings, it is also very quiet. Price at time of publish: $239 The LED light turns red when it is time to empty the 26-ounce tank. There aren’t a lot of special controls or settings in this unit. The LED light is the only indication that the tank is full, as well as a visual inspection of the clear tank at the bottom of the unit. It is also very quiet, at between 20 and 30 decibels when in use. Price at time of publish: $39 The GE Dehumidifier with Smart Dry is also a great value, especially considering the advanced smart features. It includes an auto-start as well as an auto shut off when the tank gets full. It beeps if it is time to empty the tank, if it senses that the tank is not reinstalled, or if you need to clean the filter. The air intake is on the back of the unit so you’ll need to keep it positioned away from walls to get the best results. Price at time of publish: $169 If you do want to use it in continuous mode, you will need to purchase a separate hose. It does not include a pump, which means that you’ll need to set it up so that gravity drains water away from the unit. For smaller basements, however, the collection tank is the easiest solution and requires almost zero setup. The unit alerts you when it is time to empty the tank, which includes a carrying handle for easy, spill-free transport. Price at time of publish: $149 As expected, this unit is on the expensive side. But for the increased capacity, it might be more affordable in the long run than two smaller units. It will certainly be cheaper than dealing with water damage and mold. The noise level is 53 decibels, louder than most smaller units. Fortunately, it is energy-efficient so you don’t need to worry about astronomically high power bills, even if you use it continuously. Price at time of publish: $300 This unit is expensive but works in a variety of spaces and locations. It is also quiet for its size, putting out only 48 decibels at the lowest fan speed. It also has auto shut off to prevent overflow or overheating and is Energy Start certified. Price at time of publish: $499 This is an older model, so it may be harder to find or get replacement parts to fix. But that also means that it is less expensive. The drainage hose is also included, making it an even better value. It does have a collection tank, allowing you to choose between continuous use and as-needed. Price at time of publish: $268 At over 45 pounds, it is a bit heavy and bulky to move. Fortunately, it has casters and a carrying handle if you want to reposition the dehumidifier. It works for basements and rooms up to 4,500 square feet. It is also Energy Star certified for efficient electricity usage, which is great given its large size and pumping capacity. Price at time of publish: $285 For larger spaces, you might need multiple units placed strategically around to ensure that all of the air circulates through since this model is only designed for rooms up to 250 square feet. The tank capacity is also small, so expect to empty it frequently if you use it in very humid spaces. Fortunately, it is also budget-friendly so you can buy multiple dehumidifiers and move them around your home as needed. Price at time of publish: $60
Coverage and capacity
Home dehumidifiers can be great for spaces between 150 square feet to over 4,500 square feet. Consider the size of your basement as well as the humidity level. A less humid basement doesn’t need a high-capacity dehumidifier, even if it is a larger space. If you plan on emptying the collection tank instead of running a continuous use drainage hose, look for a tank that is large enough so that you don’t need to empty it every few hours.
Fan speeds and noise level
Many of the top rated dehumidifiers have three fan speeds. This allows you to customize the speed and effectiveness. For dehumidifiers with auto controls, switching between fan speeds is common. The higher speeds are typically louder than lower speeds, although many of the best basement dehumidifiers still keep things below 55 decibels.
Standout Features
Drainage and pumps
If you know that your basement dehumidifier will be working a lot, consider setting it up for continuous drainage into a nearby utility sink, floor sump drain, or out a basement window. If you will need to run the drainage hose vertically, make sure that you get a dehumidifier with a pump.
Energy star ratings
To maximize your energy savings while running your dehumidifier, look for a model that is Energy Star certified. This means that the model has met higher energy standards while still performing great.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. When considering this list, she looked for dehumidifiers that would work for a variety of sizes and moisture levels, as well as those that were easy to use and monitor. She also got insight from David Ragsdale, Production Manager at SERVPRO Cleaning and Restoration. “Reducing the amount of moisture in a space will help reduce the likelihood of mold growth, but a dehumidifier will not reverse mold growth,” said Ragsdale. “If you have mold in your home or business have a SERVPRO professional inspect the structure and determine the best course of action to address mold removal.”
