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When you need to use a dehumidifier to help remove moisture from your basement, a regular dehumidifier just won't cut it. You need a basement specific dehumidifier that can manage the task.

Basement dehumidifiers are more powerful, durable, and faster-acting than regular residential models.

In this guide, I'll show you the 9 best basement dehumidifiers on the market and help you find the perfect model to protect your home.

Editor’s Choice

hOmeLabs

Ease of Use

4.5

Maintenance

4.5

Value For Money

5.0


Our Score

4.7

Huge capacity

AlorAir Sentinel HDi90

Ease of Use

3.5

Maintenance

5.0

Value For Money

4.0


Our Score

4.2

Best Mini Unit

Pro Breeze

Ease of Use

4.5

Maintenance

4.0

Value For Money

5.0


Our Score

4.5

9 Best Basement Dehumidifiers That Remove Moisture

I always advise homeowners to get the right home appliance to meet their needs, but every basement is different.

To combat moisture in this part of your home, you need a good quality, long-lasting, and effective dehumidifier.

This list contains 9 models available on the market, which I have tried and tested myself.

Each is slightly different and will suit a different type of home, but there is something for everyone.

1. hOmeLabs Dehumidifier - Best Overall

Ease of Use

4.5

Maintenance

4.5

Value For Money

5.0


Overall Rating

4.7

Moisture Removal

50 pints of water per day

Coverage Area

4500 square feet

Current Draw

3 amps

Operating Temperatures

41 - 95 degrees Fahrenheit

Drainage System

Automatic or manual

If you are serious about controlling your basement humidity, I recommend the hOmeLabs dehumidifier.

This large-capacity dehumidifier will not have the same coverage as the AlorAir Sentinal commercial model, but it still works well in larger basements with a lot of humidity. 

It can reduce moisture levels quickly, and during testing, it was able to bring the relative humidity down from 65% to 30% in just under 8 hours. 

I found that using the turbo mode to remove moisture more quickly worked well, as this was particularly useful after heavy rainfall or flooding.

Despite the impressive performance, the hOmeLabs dehumidifier is simple to use. It has several easy-to-use features and a single digital display to control everything. Even those with limited experience should have no issues getting the most from this model.

This model is low maintenance too, which is always a bonus. It has an auto-restart, auto-defrost, and a programmable timer. It also has a built-in pump for automatic drainage (which I recommend using). Basically, you can set it up and leave it to run with very little input.

What impressed me the most with this powerful dehumidifier was its efficiency. It draws very little power when running and has an energy-efficient cycling system that limits electricity consumption.

This makes it cheaper than comparable dehumidifiers, like the Ivation and Fridigaire, and it's great for homeowners who need dehumidification year-round but can't afford an inflated electricity bill.

The only thing to be aware of with this dehumidifier is that it doesn't maintain the exact humidity level. It will run until 1% below the programmed level and only turn on again when the humidity is 5% above that point. It will keep you within 5% of the target level, but you shouldn't expect complete precision.

This slight inaccuracy was not a big issue for me, and it won't be for most homeowners. This dehumidifier is fast-acting, simple, and great for continuous use. If you are a homeowner who needs to manage humidity year-round, you won't find a much better model at this price point.

Who is the hOmeLabs dehumidifier best for?

The hOmeLabs 4,500 square ft dehumidifier is perfect for homeowners with a large basement that needs humidity control year-round.

Pros

  • Removes a lot of moisture quickly
  • Simple, digital controls
  • Low cost to run
  • Built-in pump

Cons

  • Less accurate humidity controls
  • Needs continuous drainage

2. AlorAir Sentinel HDi90 - Best Commercial-Grade Dehumidifier

Ease of Use

3.5

Maintenance

5.0

Value For Money

4.0


Overall Rating

4.2

Moisture Removal

198 pints a day

Coverage Area

2600 square feet

Current Draw

3.8 amps

Operating Temperatures

33 - 96 degrees Fahrenheit

Drainage System

Automatic

If you have humidity levels above 75% in your basement, I recommend the AlorAir Sentinal. It's tough, fast acting, and has a very high capacity. It will quickly remove moisture and provide commercial-grade protection to your basement.

This is one of the most powerful dehumidifiers I've tested and almost three times as powerful as the hOmeLabs model. 

It's a 198-pint model (which is huge), and during testing, it was able to reduce the humidity from 70% to 35% in just 4 hours.

This blew all the other basement dehumidifiers out of the park, and even for a commercial-grade model, this is impressive.

Not only is the AlorAir Sentinel powerful, but it's also durable. The outer casing is made from reinforced metal and is tougher than most dehumidifiers. The internal components are high quality, too, and can handle significant strain.

It also has auto-defrost and auto-restart features and can operate in low temperatures. Basically, it will keep running no matter what you throw at it.

Despite how powerful it is, it's a fairly compact dehumidifier, and it will fit in tight spaces. The control panel is simple enough to use, but I would recommend buying the remote control model to make life easier.

This dehumidifier is really only designed for continuous drainage, but it doesn't come with a drainage hose. These aren't very expensive (usually under $20), but I would recommend buying a decent-quality hose to go with it.

This model is more expensive and will be overkill in most homes, and unless you have a very large basement and very high humidity, the hOmeLabs is a better value option

However, the AlorAir Sentinel offers extreme moisture removal for those who need it most.

Who is the Alorair Sentinel dehumidifier best for?

The AlorAir Sentinal is an extremely powerful dehumidifier that’s best for homeowners with large basements that have very high humidity. They will be best for homeowners living in very damp or humid environments.

Pros

  • Removes a lot of moisture quickly
  • Low maintenance
  • Operates in extreme conditions
  • Compact design

Cons

  • No drainage hose included
  • More expensive

3. Pro Breeze - Best Mini Dehumidifier

Ease of Use

4.5

Maintenance

4.0

Value For Money

5.0


Overall Rating

4.5

Moisture Removal

1-2 pints of water per day

Coverage Area

250 square feet

Current Draw

1.4 amps

Operating Temperatures

41 - 86 degrees Fahrenheit

Drainage System

Manual

The Pro Breeze is much smaller than the hOmeLabs dehumidifier, but it is perfect for those with a concentrated moisture issue. It also works well for homeowners who only need dehumidification at certain times of the year.

This small dehumidifier can remove 1-2 pints of water from the air every day. This might not sound like a lot (and it isn't), but given the size of the appliance, it is actually quite impressive. It can't regulate a big area like the AlorAir Sentinel can, but in a focused area, it can make a big difference.

This is a quiet dehumidifier, even quieter than the whisper-quiet Vremi model. Even on the highest setting, it barely makes a noise, and during testing, I had to double-check to make sure it was actually running!

The low noise level means it won't be disruptive, and you can set it up anywhere in your home.

The Pro Breeze is also the cheapest model to run and will cost you a fraction of the other models. That's not too surprising, given how small it is, but it will cost under $0.10 a day to run continuously. That's a very cheap way to manage moisture in your basement.

What I particularly like about the Pro Breeze is the simplicity. It’s easy to set up, simple to use, lightweight, and portable. You can move it to any part of your home and get it working in under 30 seconds.

The only drawback of this smaller model is the limited coverage (which is the same for most portable dehumidifiers).

It can only regulate the humidity in the immediate area around it, so I would only recommend using it in smaller basements or in one specific area rather than in large basements or large spaces.

This dehumidifier is perfect for homeowners with smaller basements who want concentrated dehumidification. It’s well made, easy to use, quiet, and much more affordable than other dehumidifiers on the market.

Who is the Pro Breeze dehumidifier best for?

The Pro Breeze mini dehumidifier is perfect for homeowners who need targeted dehumidification in small areas for short periods of time.

Pros

  • Compact size, lightweight, very portable
  • Super simple to install and use
  • Very cheap to run
  • Quiet

Cons

  • Only works in small rooms
  • No continuous draining option

4. Midea Cube Dehumidifier

Ease of Use

4.0

Maintenance

4.0

Value For Money

4.0


Overall Rating

4.0

Moisture Removal

20 pints of water per day

Coverage Area

1,500 square feet

Current Draw

3 amps

Operating Temperatures

44 - 96 degrees Fahrenheit

Drainage System

Manual or automatic

The Midea Cube balances power with comfort. It's perfect for basement bedrooms but will also work well in other living areas that suffer from high humidity.

It's not as powerful as the Frigidaire or hOmeLabs dehumidifiers, but it does remove moisture quickly. More importantly, unlike some larger models, it doesn't dominate the space. It has a sleek design that helps it blend in, and it's very unobtrusive.

It has 3 fan speeds and settings; set, continuous, and max. 'Set' means it will continue until the desired humidity is reached, 'continuous' means it will maintain the desired level, and 'max' means it will keep dehumidifying at the highest rate.

I found 'set' to be most effective at maintaining the humidity I wanted, and the built-in humidistat is extremely accurate. It was able to maintain a humidity of within 1% of the target setting, which is great for those who want precision dehumidification.

The Midea runs quietly, even when on continuously. It was much quieter than most models, and even on a high fan speed setting, it was only about 45 decibels. This means you can run it during the night, and it shouldn't disrupt your sleep.

The Midea Cube is not a commercial-grade beast like the AlorAir Sentinel model, but it is modern and intelligent. You can control it fully from an App (which actually works very well), and it will even send push notifications and alerts.

One thing to bear in mind with the Midea dehumidifier is that the built-in pump works slightly differently. It does work, but it only pumps when the collection tank is full. This means the dehumidifier will drain automatically, but not continuously like the Tosot dehumidifier.

This is one of the best dehumidifiers for basements used as bedrooms or living areas. It’s simple, low maintenance, and quiet - everything you need from an appliance in a bedroom.

Who is the Midea Cube dehumidifier best for?

The Midea Cube is perfect for homeowners who use their basement as a bedroom or living space because it manages moisture quietly and with minimal fuss.

Pros

  • Sleek design
  • App controlled
  • Quiet
  • Energy star certification

Cons

  • Doesn’t drain continuously
  • Not suitable for large basements

5. Frigidaire FGAC5044W1

Ease of Use

4.5

Maintenance

4.5

Value For Money

4.0


Overall Rating

4.3

Moisture Removal

50 pints a day

Coverage Area

2500 square feet

Current Draw

4.2 amps

Operating Temperatures

41 - 86 degrees Fahrenheit

Drainage System

Manual or automatic

If you love modern appliances with all the bells and whistles, then I would recommend the Frigidaire dehumidifier.

This smart dehumidifier can be controlled from anywhere and is perfect for residential basements.

This modern dehumidifier is Wi-Fi enabled, and like the Midea Cube, it can be controlled through a dedicated app.

The app is straightforward to set up and will send you push notifications and alerts (like when there's a full tank or it needs cleaning). It's very similar to the Midea App but has a few more options and settings to choose from.

You can even connect the Frigidaire dehumidifier to your Alexa or Google Assistant if you want it to be voice controlled (I didn’t, but it’s a cool feature).

I love smart features on traditional appliances, but what I really like about this model is the power. It doesn't have as much coverage as the AlorAir Sentinel, but it still has a good capacity and a big tank which means it will work well in larger basements. 

The large fan circulates air quickly, and on the highest fan speed setting, it can reduce the humidity dramatically in just a few hours.

It also comes with a built-in filter, similar to what you would see in an air purifier. This allows the dehumidifier to remove impurities and improve the air quality in your basement. It uses reusable filters, so you won't need to pay extra to replace them.

One thing to bear in mind with this smart dehumidifier is the noise level (around 47 decibels on low). This is the second loudest dehumidifier on the list (after the Ivation), and it isn't going to be suitable for basement bedrooms or living areas unless you really like white noise.

However, this modern dehumidifier is perfect for any homeowner who loves intelligent gadgets. The core appliance works very well, and the user-friendly smart features make it very simple to use.

Who is the Frigidaire dehumidifier best for?

The Frigidaire smart dehumidifier is perfect for homeowners who want to control their dehumidifier remotely, and it works well in basements that are used less frequently.

Pros

  • Wi-Fi enabled with a dedicated App
  • Easily programmable
  • Removes moisture quickly
  • Continuous drainage

Cons

  • Quite noisy
  • More expensive model

6. Tosot

Ease of Use

4.0

Maintenance

4.5

Value For Money

4.0


Overall Rating

4.3

Moisture Removal

50 pints a day

Coverage Area

4,500 square feet

Current Draw

3 amps

Operating Temperatures

41 - 89 degrees Fahrenheit

Drainage System

Manual or automatic

If you have a deep basement, it can be difficult to drain the moisture from your dehumidifier. However, the Tosot can help. It has a powerful internal pump that can work against gravity, and it's perfect for any basement without a floor drain.

The Tosot dehumidifier makes it really easy to gather and remove moisture from your home. It has a large capacity and can noticeably reduce humidity levels in just a few hours.

You've then got easy drainage. The pump can drive water vertically upwards up to 16 feet, and it comes with an extra-long drain hose. 

This means you can install it anywhere (even if there's no nearby drain), and the appliance can still remove the water.

Despite being a high-capacity dehumidifier, it runs quietly and efficiently. Even on the highest noise setting, it doesn't go much above 50 decibels, so it shouldn't cause any noise disruption. It's also Energy Star certified and should give you some significant energy savings over the year.

The one limitation of this dehumidifier was the inaccurate hygrometer. Unlike the Ivation and Midea, which are accurate to within 2%, the Tosot was sometimes 5-10% out. This isn't a huge deal in most basements, but it won't give you precise moisture levels.

However, most homeowners won’t need that level of accuracy, and it is still one of the best dehumidifiers for basements that have a large area. I would recommend this unit for homeowners that need to pump water upwards.

Who is the Tosot dehumidifier best for?

The Tosot 50-pint dehumidifier is perfect for homeowners with limited drainage who need to pump water upwards out of a deep, underground basement.

Pros

  • Powerful pump
  • High capacity & coverage
  • Quiet operation
  • Energy star certified

Cons

  • Less accurate
  • Not as durable as other models

7. Vremi

Ease of Use

4.0

Maintenance

4.0

Value For Money

4.5


Overall Rating

4.2

Moisture Removal

50 pints a day

Coverage Area

4500 square feet

Current Draw

4 amps

Operating Temperatures

41 - 95 degrees Fahrenheit

Drainage System

Manual or automatic

If you are using your basement regularly then I recommend the Vremi dehumidifier. It will remove excess moisture but runs almost silently, giving you all the protection with none of the disruption.

The Vremi dehumidifier is smart, simple, and easy to use. 

It can handle higher humidities than the Midea and Pro Breeze dehumidifiers, and it worked effectively when I tested it in a relative humidity of about 75%. 

Using turbo mode, it was able to reach 45% in about 6 hours, and even with the highest fan speed setting, it ran almost silently.

It has a lot of useful features that make it a good dehumidifier for basements.

Auto defrost means it can run in cold conditions, automatic shutoff protects it from surges, and auto restart means it will run without interruption. It also has a drainage hose outlet for continuous drainage.

Everything about this dehumidifier is designed so you can set it and forget it. It's low maintenance and has several programmable settings which require very little input.

My only criticism of the Vremi is the inaccurate humidistat, and during testing, I found it overestimated the humidity by 3-5%. It wasn’t as inaccurate as the Tosot model, but it did mean that the dehumidifier was running slightly more frequently than it needed to and did add to the running costs.

However, the Vremi is perfect for homeowners who want a no-noise, no-fuss, low-effort dehumidifier that just works. It won’t cover as big an area as the hOmeLabs or Alorair Sentinel dehumidifiers, but it will work well in a large space and will maintain consistent humidity even in a larger basement.

Who is the Vremi dehumidifier best for?

The Vremi is a very quiet model that’s perfect for basements that are used regularly as living spaces or bedrooms.

Pros

  • Whisper quiet
  • Low maintenance
  • Operates in cold conditions
  • Energy star dehumidifier

Cons

  • Less accurate
  • No drain hose included

8. Ivation IVADH70PWP2

Ease of Use

4.0

Maintenance

4.5

Value For Money

5.0


Overall Rating

4.5

Moisture Removal

50 pints of water per day

Coverage Area

4,500 square feet

Current Draw

4.2 amps

Operating Temperatures

37 - 80 degrees Fahrenheit

Drainage System

Automatic or manual

This is the dehumidifier I recommend to anyone who lives in a cold, snowy, or frosty climate. The Ivation dehumidifier has a built-in frost sensor and auto-defrost feature that protects the cooling coils from ice. 

A lot of basement dehumidifiers have these features, but unlike other dehumidifiers, the Ivation can run at temperatures below 40 degrees. I tested it in conditions as low as 33 degrees Fahrenheit, and it still worked fine.

Not only does this dehumidifier work in cold conditions, but it also works quickly. It's advertised as a 50-pint model, but I found it removed moisture at the same pace as most 70-pint units.

I would definitely recommend connecting a drain line, or you will have to manually empty the collection tank several times a day.

The Ivation has a built-in humidistat that is extremely accurate. It will stay within 1-2% of the chosen humidity, unlike the hOmeLabs and Tosot models, which are only accurate to around 5%. 

It features a programmable timer, a filter cleaning alert, and a turbo mode for extra power. Plus, it has an internal pump and an extra-long drain hose, so you can set it up wherever needed.

The only thing to be aware of with this dehumidifier is that it's quite loud and much louder than other comparably sized model. This shouldn't be an issue if your basement is used for storage and won't see much use.

However, for basement bedrooms, you're much better with the quieter Midea Cube or Vremi dehumidifier.

Despite the noise level, this is the best dehumidifier for basements that reach very low temperatures. It's powerful, durable, and will work in any climate.

Who is the Ivation dehumidifier best for?

The Ivation 4,500 square ft dehumidifier is great for homeowners who live in an area with low temperatures and have a large, cold basement.

Pros

  • Operates in very cold conditions
  • Long drain line for installation anywhere
  • Large square feet coverage
  • Accurate humidistat

Cons

  • Quite noisy
  • Cumbersome to move

9. GE Dehumidifier

Ease of Use

4.0

Maintenance

4.0

Value For Money

4.0


Overall Rating

4.0

Moisture Removal

22 pints a day

Coverage Area

1500 square feet

Current Draw

3.2 amps

Operating Temperatures

41 - 90 degrees Fahrenheit

Drainage System

Manual or automatic

The GE dehumidifier is perfect for a small basement. It's compact and affordable but still effective enough to regulate moisture levels.

The GE dehumidifier is a 22-pint model, which is noticeably smaller than the hOmeLabs, Tosot, and Vremi models, but it's enough for a small space.

During testing, it was able to reduce the relative humidity from 65% to 35% in 9 hours which is good. If you use it in the right place, it will work effectively, and I would recommend setting it up as close to the source of moisture as possible.

This is a simpler model, and it doesn't have anywhere near as many features as the Frigidaire smart dehumidifier or Midea Cube. However, it still has an automatically adjusting fan speed which measures the relative humidity and adjusts the power input and fan accordingly. 

This is great for limiting energy use and particularly useful for anyone who lives in an area where the humidity levels fluctuate.

What impressed me most about this dehumidifier was the value for money. It has a relatively low price tag, and it's Energy Star certified, so it's low-cost to run. 

Given the performance and quality, I think it's one of the best dehumidifiers for homeowners on a budget.

One thing to be aware of with this dehumidifier is that it can generate a fair amount of heat.

In a small space, it can increase the temperature by 5-6 degrees, so it may heat up your basement space. I would recommend setting up air conditioners or fans alongside this dehumidifier if you have them.

The GE dehumidifier is well-made and has smart features. It offers some great value as a budget-friendly solution and is the best dehumidifier for basements with a small area.

Who is the GE 22 pt. Dehumidifier best for?

The GE dehumidifier is best for homeowners who want to dehumidify a small basement or space on a tight budget (around $200).

Pros

  • Removes moisture quickly
  • Low cost
  • Energy star dehumidifier
  • Lightweight and portable

Cons

  • No drainage hose included
  • Generates a lot of heat

Dehumidifiers For Basements Compared

Image
hOmeLabs 4500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier...
Ivation 4,500 Sq Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier...
Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier, 2200...
Midea Cube 20 Pint Dehumidifier for Basement...
Frigidaire FGAC5044W1 Dehumidifier, High...
TOSOT 50 Pint with Internal Pump 4,500 Sq Ft...
Model
hOmeLabs 4500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier...
Ivation 4,500 Sq Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier...
Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier, 2200...
Midea Cube 20 Pint Dehumidifier for Basement...
Frigidaire FGAC5044W1 Dehumidifier, High...
TOSOT 50 Pint with Internal Pump 4,500 Sq Ft...
Moisture Removal
50 pints of water per day
50 pints of water per day
1-2 pints of water per day
20 pints of water per day
50 pints of water per day
50 pints of water per day
Coverage Area
4500 square feet
4500 square feet
250 square feet
1500 square feet
2500 square feet
4500 square feet
Drainage System
Automatic or manual
Automatic or manual
Manual
Manual or automatic
Manual or automatic
Manual or automatic
Image
hOmeLabs 4500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier...
Model
hOmeLabs 4500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier...
Moisture Removal
50 pints of water per day
Coverage Area
4500 square feet
Drainage System
Automatic or manual
Price
Image
Ivation 4,500 Sq Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier...
Model
Ivation 4,500 Sq Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier...
Moisture Removal
50 pints of water per day
Coverage Area
4500 square feet
Drainage System
Automatic or manual
Price
Image
Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier, 2200...
Model
Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier, 2200...
Moisture Removal
1-2 pints of water per day
Coverage Area
250 square feet
Drainage System
Manual
Price
Image
Midea Cube 20 Pint Dehumidifier for Basement...
Model
Midea Cube 20 Pint Dehumidifier for Basement...
Moisture Removal
20 pints of water per day
Coverage Area
1500 square feet
Drainage System
Manual or automatic
Price
Image
Frigidaire FGAC5044W1 Dehumidifier, High...
Model
Frigidaire FGAC5044W1 Dehumidifier, High...
Moisture Removal
50 pints of water per day
Coverage Area
2500 square feet
Drainage System
Manual or automatic
Price
Image
TOSOT 50 Pint with Internal Pump 4,500 Sq Ft...
Model
TOSOT 50 Pint with Internal Pump 4,500 Sq Ft...
Moisture Removal
50 pints of water per day
Coverage Area
4500 square feet
Drainage System
Manual or automatic
Price

Considerations When Buying Basement Dehumidifiers

Damp, humid basements are very common, and over the years, I've worked with countless homeowners to help them dry out the lowest parts of their homes.

Before purchasing a large, powerful unit, consider these key points.

Moisture Removal Levels - Understand PPD

The capacity of a dehumidifier is measured in Pints Per Day (PPD).

This is a measure of how much water it can remove from the air in a 24-hour period. The higher the PPD, the more moisture it can remove from the air.

Basements have higher levels of moisture than most other parts of your home, so your basement dehumidifier needs to have a relatively high capacity.

For large basements or larger spaces, you should look for a model with at least 50 PPD, like the hOmeLabs dehumidifier

For small basements or small spaces, you should look for a model with at least 20 PPD, like the GE dehumidifier.

Determine Your basements Coverage Area

The coverage area is the size of the space the dehumidifier can handle. This is typically measured in square feet and is closely linked to the PPD.

You can find the square feet coverage area on the dehumidifier packaging. It's important to measure your basement accurately and find an appropriately sized unit. 

With basement dehumidifiers, I recommend choosing a model that covers a slightly larger square footage, like the hOmeLabs brand 4,500 square foot coverage.

If you buy a smaller unit, like the Pro Breeze, you'll need to move the dehumidifier around a large basement to properly remove the excess humidity.

Temperatures Will Impact The Model You Need

Most basements and crawl spaces get very cold, or at least colder than the rest of your home.

A standard dehumidifier will only operate in conditions above 65 degrees, but basement dehumidifiers will usually have to deal with more extreme conditions.

I would strongly advise finding a model which can operate in colder conditions, as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

All the basement dehumidifiers I've listed above will work well in cold conditions, and most have auto-defrost functionality.

This prevents the refrigerant in the dehumidifier from freezing and means it can keep working to reach the desired humidity level.

For very cold conditions, I recommend the Ivation dehumidifier, which will work in temperatures as low as 33 degrees.

Understand Drainage Requirements

Drainage is crucial because you need to remove the gathered moisture from your home. There are usually two main options:

  • Manual drainage
    This is where the water drains into a collection tank or water bucket and needs to be manually emptied. These are easier to install but must be monitored because the device shuts off when the tank is full (which can happen fairly frequently depending on the tank capacity).
  • Automatic drainage
    A drain hose or drainage pump can be attached to some dehumidifiers so water is automatically drained. The setup is more complicated, but it means the dehumidifier can run continuously.

Automatic drainage is usually best for basements because there is usually a lot of excess moisture.

All of the models on the list, except the Pro Breeze, have automatic drainage, but for some, you may need to buy a separate hose or garden hose because they aren't included.

Additional Features (Optional)

The best dehumidifier models on the market have a range of useful features to make them more effective. I would recommend looking out for the following:

  • Auto-restart - this allows the device to automatically turn back on after a power outage.
  • Programmable timer - this allows you to set the dehumidifier to run automatically while you are out.
  • Humidistat/hygrometer - this lets you set the dehumidifier to reach a certain humidity and maintain it.
  • Remote control - this makes it easier to control the dehumidifier if it’s in a part of your home you don’t use as frequently.

Learn About Fan speeds and CFM

Fan speeds determine how fast air can be circulated and how quickly moisture can be removed from the air.

This is typically measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute), and for a dehumidifier, it can range from 30-1000.

I recommend looking for a high CFM dehumidifier for basements, usually with a CFM of at least 200.

This will help to remove water from the air, surfaces, and furniture and leave you with a dryer space.

The best basement dehumidifier models have multiple fan speeds, so you can increase or decrease the airflow as needed, and some, like the Frigidaire, will have over three fan speeds to choose from.

Think About Noise Levels (If you Use Your Basement)

An average dehumidifier produces 50-60 decibels of noise.

This noise level is perfectly safe, but if the decibels get too high, it can be disruptive or even damaging to your hearing. [1]

If your basement is primarily used for storage, then you probably won't be in there frequently, and the noise level won't be a big issue.

However, if you use the basement a lot, then you may find the noise level annoying, so I would recommend the Vremi dehumidifier for basements which has a noise level under 50 decibels.

Pump Vs No Pump

The water gathered in dehumidifiers needs to be drained from your home. A pump allows you to force the water out into a drain and removes the water quickly.

Some dehumidifiers have a built-in pump, whereas others don't. Often, the best basement dehumidifier model will have a built-in pump, and this will save you from having to buy your own.

If you have an underground basement and don't have a floor drain, then you will need a pump to force water up and out of your home.

I would recommend the Tosot dehumidifier, which is excellent at draining water up and out of your home.

Consider Energy Star Ratings

I recommend choosing an Energy Star dehumidifier.[2] An Energy Star dehumidifier will use much less power, sometimes over 15% less.

Dehumidifiers run frequently, especially in damp basements, so investing in an Energy Star-certified model with an Energy Star label can save you a lot of money.

The two cheapest models to run on the list are the Midea Cube and Pro Breeze, and by choosing these, you could save yourself hundreds of dollars in electricity a year.

Related Article - Dehumidifier Running Costs

Know Your Budget

The price of a dehumidifier for basements can vary, but the best basement dehumidifier isn't always the most expensive.

I recommend setting a budget before you start, but be prepared to spend $150-$1000 on a good-quality unit.

The average price on the list above is $300-400, and you can pick up the hOmeLabs dehumidifier for around $200.

However, the AlorAir Sentinel will cost over $1000 because it's a much more powerful model.

It's important to consider price alongside functionality and invest in an appliance that will work best in your home.

A warranty will help to protect your investment too. I always recommend buying a dehumidifier for basements with at least a 1-year warranty to protect your investment.

Learn More - How Long Do Dehumidifiers Last?


What Size Dehumidifier Do I Need For My Basement?

The size of the dehumidifier for basements will vary depending on the size of the space and the humidity.

Size Of The Room

It may sound obvious, but large basements/ large spaces need larger dehumidifiers than small basements.

A dehumidifier operates over a specific area, and this is usually shown on the packaging. I would recommend measuring your basement and using this as a starting point.

Test The Humidity Levels

The higher the humidity, the larger the dehumidifier you need.

Try using a hygrometer to measure the high humidity in the space, and then choose an appropriately sized model.

If you do have high humidity, then you'll need a high-capacity dehumidifier to reach the desired humidity level.

Below is a table you can use as a rough guide to finding the best basement dehumidifiers:

Humidity levels

600 square feet

800 square feet

1200 square feet

1,500 square feet

50-60% humidity

40-pint dehumidifier

60-pint dehumidifier

70-pint dehumidifier

80-pint dehumidifier

60-70% humidity

45-pint dehumidifier

60-pint dehumidifier

70-pint dehumidifier

90-pint dehumidifier

70-80% humidity

50-pint dehumidifier

65-pint dehumidifier

80-pint dehumidifier

100-pint dehumidifier

80% humidity +

60-pint dehumidifier

70-pint dehumidifier

90-pint dehumidifier

120-pint dehumidifier

Common Causes of Excessive Basement Moisture

A dehumidifier can help you to improve the indoor air quality in your home, protect against mold, and remove dust mites.

However, even the best dehumidifiers for basements can’t solve the causes of moisture.

If these sources of moisture are left unchecked, it could lead to mold, mildew, bacteria, dust mites, and other contaminants spreading in your home.

This can lead to respiratory infections and allergies.[3]

In some cases, you will need to take action to stop humidity gathering in your basement to protect yourself and your belongings.

Here are the most common causes of basement moisture for you to look out for:

  • Water from rain, wet weather, or groundwater
  • Poor drainage prevents water from leaving your home
  • Faulty insulation that lets moisture into your home
  • Leaking pipes and clogged drains
  • Unvented humid air
  • Interior sources of moisture - bathrooms, cooking, or laundry

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