Quick glance: My recommendations

Quiet dehumidifiers with low decibel levels

HOmeLabs 50 Pint Dehumidifier

The HOmeLabs HME01004 dehumidifier is my overall favorite home dehumidifier, but it's also a powerhosue for those with damp basements.

It has enough power to protect your basement, but runs quietly enough that the noise levels won't disturb you.

I registered a maximum of 49 dB on this one. So, sure, it's louder than much smaller models, but also way more powerful. 

It comes in several sizes, too. I used the 50 pint option, but they have smaller options available, too, including 8 pints, 22 pints, 35 pints, and 40 pints. 

This makes it perfect for anyone with a small home, or a basement that's used as a living space. This powerful dehumidifier has enough coverage to deal with even the most humid conditions.

I've used it in basements with over 85% humidity and it's managed to get them to under 55% overnight, so it's definitely capable of reducing humidity levels quickly. 

Other then the power and the low noise levels, there are two things I really like about this quiet basement dehumidifier - the turbo mode and the defrost function.

The turbo mode gives the dehumidifier an extra boost so it can remove more moisture.

My basement tends to have higher humidity levels when it rains so the boost mode made it easier to manage the moisture and protect my home. 

The defrost setting helps to protect the dehumidifier. Most refrigerant dehumidifiers can't handle cold temperatures, so they can struggle in a cold basement.

However, the defrost setting thaws out the coils inside to protect the dehumidifier and keep it running properly.  This keeps it running properly and helps to protect the dehumidifier from any ice damage.

One of the limitations of this quiet dehumidifier is that it is isn't very portable. It's also quite difficult to empty the tank.

It's much easier if it's installed in one place and connected to your plumbing with the continuous drain option.

If you live in a humid area and want a quiet dehumidifier to use year round then this is the one for you. 

Related article: Most recommended basement dehumidifiers

Comparing the quietest dehumidifiers on the market

What to look for when buying a quiet dehumidifier

Noise level if you are sensitive to it

If you want quiet dehumidifiers then you need to check the noise output. I usually look for this on the packaging or specifications, but you can also contact the manufacturer to find the noise level of the dehumidifier.

The noise level is measured in decibels (dBs) and the lower the decibels, the less noise it will produce. The noise output of a dehumidifier will be influenced by the tank size, compressor noise, and fan speed options. 

Ideally, you should look for quiet dehumidifiers with a decibel rating of under 45 dB.

Larger dehumidifiers will be louder, but all the models on my list are under 50 dB. For reference, this is comparable to the average quiet portable air conditioning unit. 

Purpose and coverage area

How and where you want to use your dehumidifier will influence which one you choose and the dehumidifier I use in my basement is completely different to the one I use in my bedroom.

The bigger the area and the more humid the space is, the more powerful the dehumidifier needs to be. 

I would recommend measuring the area of the room and the current humidity levels.

You can then check the square feet coverage of the dehumidifier and the pints per day (PPD) rating to make sure it's suitable to the task.

The PPD is how much moisture the dehumidifier can remove in a 24 hour period so the more humid the space is, the higher the PPD rating needs to be.

Generally, smaller dehumidifiers will cover smaller spaces and won't be able to handle as much moisture.

For moist and humid rooms like basements, garages, and crawl spaces you will need a larger dehumidifier. 

For areas larger than 1200 square feet, I ask that you consider whether an area is sealed or not.

Dehumidifiers in tightly sealed spaces can typically cover more area than in unsealed areas. Here is a chart showing PPD and how I would size them based on the area.

A larger tank capacity is recommended

The tank capacity of your dehumidifier influences how often it needs to be emptied.

In small spaces with limited humidity a small tank size is fine, but in larger rooms with more humidity you'll need to find a dehumidifier with a larger tank. 

A 50 pint dehumidifier is generally the largest tank size of residential dehumidifier, and that's what I use in my garage and basement, but there are a few larger units.

If you need continuous dehumidification and don't want to empty the tank, I would recommend considering other drainage options. 

Drainage type: Manual or automatic

Dehumidifiers can be emptied manually, or connected to your drainage system so the water is pumped out automatically.

Manual emptying is best for those who want a portable dehumidifier as there's no fixed connections or plumbing. This allows you to move it between rooms, or into storage when it's not in use.

However, it does require you to empty the tank to keep it running and I usually have to empty my dehumidifier every few days.

Automatic draining is best for those who are running their dehumidifier constantly to manage higher humidity levels.

This allows your dehumidifier to run without stopping and means you don't need to manually empty the tank every day.

Automatic draining isn't possible with all dehumidifiers so you'll need to find a compatible model with a pump and drain hose.  

Energy efficiency and certifications

A dehumidifier has a running cost between $0.03 and $0.17 an hour on average. 

The exact cost will vary depending on how energy efficient your dehumidifier is, but investing in a unit with higher energy efficiency can save you a lot of money. 

Look for a dehumidifier with an Energy Star rating. This means that the device has been certified as more efficient, and on average this means they will take 15% less energy to run. 

This may not seem like much, but by selecting energy efficient models I've been able to save hundreds of dollars every year.

You can do the same, and if you're running a dehumidifier often, then you should definitely look for an Energy Star rating. Research papers have also shown that using a humidistat and running a dehumidifier only when necessary can also save you money in the long run. 

Perch Energy suggests using your dehumidifier 8 hours per day.

Cost to procure and your overall budget

Dehumidifiers can cost anywhere from $100-$2000, it all depends on what you buy.

Larger dehumidifiers, like whole house humidifiers, cost a lot more, but it can also vary depending on the quality and features of the appliance. 

All of the dehumidifiers reviewed here offer some great value for money, but it depends on your specific needs.

Look for a dehumidifier that can handle the square footage and humidity levels in the space adequately, but avoid getting models which are too big. This should balance performance with cost. 

Good quality residential dehumidifiers will last around 5 years, but some cheaper models won't even last 2 years.

I would recommend spending a bit more on a better quality dehumidifier with a good warranty to protect your investment in the long term. 

Related article: US dehumidifier brands

Extra features

So which quiet dehumidifier is right for you?

If you choose the right model dehumidifier you can regulate the humidity levels in your home without an annoying, disturbing, noisy, interruptions. 

All of the models on my list are great at their jobs, whether you need something for your whole house, your basement, or your home office. 

If you still need a nudge, the HOmeLabs 50 pint is my favorite all-around option for powerfully quiet dehumidification.