ConsFirst / Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers: the downsides, first
Dehumidifiers have one of the highest average shares of 1–2 star Amazon ratings on ConsFirst (21% across the models we checked), mostly from units that stop working. Here are the most popular models in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared16 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 dehumidifiers, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Waykar
$$Compressor80 pints/dayScore 3.5/5
12%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)2-star 3% + 1-star 9% of 22,676 ratings, pooled across 34-, 80-, 120- and 150-pint sizes. The separate 80-pint '2025' listing (B0C9THG48W, 3,208 ratings) is also 12%.HGTV's best overall and a huge Amazon seller, with relatively quiet running and an accurate humidity reading. Its tank is small for its rating, though, and Amazon owners are split on reliability (some units quit within months).
Top complaints
- Stops working or stops pulling waterVery common
Amazon's review summary calls reliability and water accumulation mixed: some owners say it works well for about 9 months, while others say it stopped working after 2 months or stopped pulling water.
- Tank smaller than expectedMentioned often
HGTV lists a 4.3-liter tank. On another Waykar 80-pint listing, owners call compact size mixed, some finding the tank smaller than they expected.
- No laundry-drying modeOccasional
HGTV's only listed downside is the lack of a clothes-drying mode.
What owners love
- Effective, with an accurate reading
HGTV found it cycled to hold a 45% target for 12 hours and matched a separate hygrometer. Effectiveness and moisture removal are Amazon positives.
- Not as loud as others
HGTV measured 59.5 dB, with no high-pitched or rattling noises. Noise level is an Amazon positive (about 2,500 mentions).
- Easy to empty, hose included
The tank pulls out from the sides; a 3.3-ft drain hose, washable filter and swing louver are included.
Skip it if…- You'll empty the tank by hand in a very wet space
- You need a laundry-drying mode
- You want an app
Good for- Basements and large rooms on a mid budget
- Easy tank emptying
- Even air distribution (swing louver)
Scores (tap for why)
- Moisture removal4.0
Why 4.0?
Held a 45% target in HGTV's test; effectiveness and moisture removal are Amazon positives. The 80-pint figure applies at 95°F/90% RH; Waykar says 62 pints at 86°F/80% RH. - Quietness4.0
Why 4.0?
59.5 dB with no irritating tones (HGTV); noise is an Amazon positive. - Tank & drainage3.0
Why 3.0?
The tank is easy to empty and a hose is included, but at 4.3 L it's small for an 80-pint unit, and some owners found it smaller than expected. - Energy use3.5
Why 3.5?
Energy Star certified (HGTV); no measured power draw found. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Reliability and quality are mixed on Amazon; 12% of ratings are 1-2 stars, lower than the other compressor models here.
What experts say
- HGTV: Best overall (updated 2026-10-02, 17 models tested): easy to operate and empty, accurate and not as loud as others; the only gap is a clothes-drying mode.
#2
Midea
$$Compressor20 pints/dayScore 3.5/5
18%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)2-star 3% + 1-star 15% of 2,535 ratings. The listing is grouped with the 35- and 50-pint Cube variants, but its rating count differs from theirs.The smaller Cube is picked by Tom's Guide (best budget), HGTV (best design) and Wirecutter (smaller Cube). Testers found it quiet and well designed, but it's slow in a very damp room, heavy to empty, and Wirecutter has paused its recommendation over the same humidistat reports as the 50-pint model.
Top complaints
- Stops working after a few monthsVery common
Reliability is a negative aspect in Amazon's review summary, with multiple owners saying it stopped working after a few months. Wirecutter's editor's note about humidistat failures since April also covers this model.
- Heavy to emptyVery common
Weight is an Amazon negative. Wirecutter says a full bucket weighs about 28 lb and you must first lift off the 30-lb condenser unit; HGTV suggests emptying it when it's about half full.
- Slower than 50-pint units; slight metallic noiseMentioned often
Tom's Guide's test took about three hours to bring a basement bathroom from 85% to 35%, versus 34-40 minutes for the 50-pint GoveeLife and Frigidaire. It also made a slight metallic, AC-like sound. On Amazon, water removal is mixed, with some owners saying it pulls less water than expected.
What owners love
- Effective and easy to use
Effectiveness, dehumidification and ease of use are Amazon positives. Wirecutter's author ran one in a flood-prone basement, where it held 55% through heavy rains and a 4-inch flood.
- Quiet with a pleasant fan sound
HGTV measured 57.2 dB, quiet compared with the others it tested; Tom's Guide measured about 55 dB.
- Big bucket and accurate readings
HGTV found its humidity reading accurate against a separate hygrometer, and its 12-liter bucket won't overflow quickly. Tom's Guide found the Midea app useful for full-tank alerts.
Skip it if…- You need fast drying in a very wet space
- Lifting a 30-lb unit and a 28-lb bucket is hard for you
- You need proven reliability right now
Good for- Small basements, laundry rooms and bedrooms
- Setups that can drain passively to a sink or floor drain
- Compact storage (it nests in its bucket)
Scores (tap for why)
- Moisture removal3.0
Why 3.0?
Effective on Amazon and held 55% long term (Wirecutter), but it took about 3 hours to go from 85% to 35% in Tom's Guide's test; water removal is mixed on Amazon. - Quietness4.0
Why 4.0?
About 55 dB (Tom's Guide) and 57.2 dB (HGTV), quiet among those tested, apart from a slight metallic sound. - Tank & drainage3.5
Why 3.5?
12-liter bucket (HGTV) with passive drain, but it's heavy to lift (Wirecutter; Amazon weight negative). - Energy use4.5
Why 4.5?
All Cube models are Energy Star Most Efficient with R-32 refrigerant (Wirecutter); HGTV lists it as Energy Star certified. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Long-term Wirecutter use went well, but reliability is an Amazon negative, and Wirecutter has paused its Cube recommendation.
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Best budget (updated 2026-09-22): easy to empty, user-friendly and compact; the con is a slightly annoying noise.
- HGTV: Best design (updated 2026-10-02): thoughtful design and quiet; the con is a heavy bin when full.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Pick for a smaller, lighter Cube, but currently not recommended for purchase because of humidistat failure reports.
#3
Midea
$$Compressor50 pints/dayScore 3.6/5
31%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 1,038 ratings (2-star 8% + 1-star 23%). The listing also covers the pump version. A newer Cube 50 listing (B0GL7B1FC8, 320 ratings) shows 34%.Wirecutter's long-time top pick: it is quiet, it is efficient and its 4.25-gallon bucket is huge. But Wirecutter has now paused its recommendation after a wave of faulty-humidistat reports, and almost a third of Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars.
Top complaints
- Faulty humidity sensor; units that stop workingVery common
Wirecutter says that since April many Cube owners have reported a malfunctioning humidistat and unhelpful Midea support, so for now it doesn't recommend any Midea Cube. Amazon's review summary flags durability as negative (units breaking within 24 months) and reliability as mixed, with some owners saying it stopped working.
- Heavy lifting to emptyMentioned often
To empty it by hand you lift off the 38-lb compressor unit, then carry a bucket that weighs nearly 40 lb when full. Wirecutter also found the casters (about 1 inch across) of little use on uneven basement floors.
- Buggy app and poor customer serviceMentioned often
Wirecutter says the most common owner complaints are an app that is buggy and hard to sync (2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only), unreliable Alexa integration and unhelpful customer service. Its testers could never get the app working.
What owners love
- Quietest 50-pint model Wirecutter has tested
Wirecutter measured 51 dB at 6 feet with the fan on high and the compressor running. Amazon owners are split on noise.
- Double-size bucket
The 4.25-gallon bucket is about twice the typical 50-pint capacity, so it can go several days between emptyings. It can also drain passively through the included hose. Capacity is a positive aspect on Amazon.
- Efficient and effective
It lowered humidity by about 13% in an hour on high, on par with other 50-pint models. It carries an Energy Star Most Efficient rating and uses R-32 refrigerant.
Skip it if…- You can't lift a 38-lb unit off a 40-lb full bucket
- You want a dependable app
- You need proven reliability right now
Good for- Large damp basements with a floor drain or sink
- Fewer bucket trips (4.25-gallon bucket)
- Quiet operation for a 50-pint unit
Scores (tap for why)
- Moisture removal4.0
Why 4.0?
About -13% RH in an hour on high (Wirecutter), as good as most 50-pint models; humidity control is mixed on Amazon. - Quietness4.0
Why 4.0?
51 dB at 6 ft, the quietest 50-pint unit Wirecutter has measured; noise is mixed on Amazon. - Tank & drainage3.5
Why 3.5?
Huge 4.25-gallon bucket and an included drain hose, but manual emptying means lifting a 38-lb unit and a 40-lb bucket. - Energy use4.5
Why 4.5?
Energy Star Most Efficient with R-32 refrigerant; Wirecutter measured 460 W on high. - Durability2.0
Why 2.0?
Wirecutter has paused its recommendation over humidistat failures; durability is negative on Amazon, where about 31% of ratings are 1-2 stars.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Still listed as the top pick (updated 2026-08-12), but an editor's note says Wirecutter doesn't currently recommend buying any Midea Cube because of widespread humidistat failure reports. Otherwise it is quiet, efficient and holds a huge bucket, but it's heavy to empty and has a buggy app.
#4
Dreo
$$$Compressor110 pints/dayScore 3.2/5
22%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 2-star 2% + 1-star 20% of 259 ratings; the listing pools color variants.A premium smart unit that HGTV (best splurge) and BHG (best for basements) picked for its app, its alerts and how much water it pulls. But it's noisy on high, blows hot air, and its small Amazon sample shows 22% 1-2 star ratings, mostly for early breakdowns.
Top complaints
- Breaks within monthsMentioned often
Durability is a negative aspect on Amazon, with several owners reporting it broke within three months of use.
- Loud on high and blows hot airVery common
HGTV measured over 70 dB on high and 65.7 dB on low. Amazon owners are mixed on noise and heat output, some saying it's too noisy and blows very hot air.
- Humidity reading can be offOccasional
BHG found its built-in hygrometer read 4-5% off an external hygrometer; HGTV saw only occasional one-point differences.
What owners love
- Pulls a lot of water
Effectiveness, humidity control and water removal are Amazon positives; one owner reports it removes 4 gallons a day.
- Smart features that help
It works with an app, on-unit buttons and voice commands (HGTV). BHG singles out the bucket-full notification.
- Big tank
A 2-gallon water tank plus a drain hose.
Skip it if…- It will run in a living space (over 70 dB on high)
- You're on a budget
- You want a long ownership track record
Good for- Very large or very wet basements
- App control with bucket-full alerts
- People who want a premium look
Scores (tap for why)
- Moisture removal4.0
Why 4.0?
Water removal and humidity control are Amazon positives, and both HGTV and BHG picked it for large spaces; no expert measured its water removal. - Quietness2.0
Why 2.0?
Over 70 dB on high and 65.7 dB on low (HGTV); noise and heat output are mixed on Amazon. - Tank & drainage4.0
Why 4.0?
2-gallon tank, drain hose and an app bucket-full alert. - Energy use3.5
Why 3.5?
Energy Star certified (HGTV); Dreo claims up to 4.0 pints/kWh, a manufacturer claim that hasn't been independently tested. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Durability is an Amazon negative (breaking within three months), but the sample is small (259 ratings).
What experts say
- HGTV: Best splurge (updated 2026-10-02): sleek, with a high-precision sensor and app control; the con is noise on high fan speed.
- Better Homes & Gardens: Best for basements (updated 2026-07-14): user-friendly smart features; the built-in hygrometer was 4-5% off.
#5
GoveeLife
$$Compressor50 pints/dayScore 3.0/5
21%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 2-star 6% + 1-star 15% of 1,588 ratings; the listing also includes the Wi-Fi + pump variant.Tom's Guide's best overall and the fastest dryer in its test, with an app that works well. But it is loud (about 70 dB), throws off heat, and Amazon owners rate its reliability and durability negatively.
Top complaints
- Stops working within weeks or monthsVery common
Reliability (214 mentions) and durability are negative aspects on Amazon, with owners saying it stopped working after 6 weeks or broke after 11 months.
- Loud and hotVery common
Tom's Guide measured about 70 dB, said it makes a real racket, and listed heat output as a con. Noise is mixed on Amazon.
- Stops collecting water or won't drainMentioned often
Moisture and water removal are mixed on Amazon, with some owners saying it stops collecting water and doesn't drain properly. Tom's Guide also lists a short power cable as a con.
What owners love
- Fastest in Tom's Guide's test
It took a basement bathroom from 90% to 35% in 34 minutes (the Frigidaire 50-pint took 40 minutes and the Midea 20-pint about 3 hours), and it was equally impressive in rooms up to 700 sq ft.
- Easy app control
Tom's Guide found the Govee Home app intuitive, with Alexa and Google Assistant support. Ease of use is the main Amazon positive.
- Hose included
It comes with a hose for continuous drainage and uses R-32 refrigerant and 20% recycled materials.
Skip it if…- It will run in a room you sit or sleep in
- You want a cool-running unit
- You need proven long-term reliability
Good for- Very damp basements that need fast drying
- App and voice control (Alexa, Google)
- Large spaces
Scores (tap for why)
- Moisture removal4.5
Why 4.5?
Fastest in Tom's Guide's test (90% to 35% in 34 minutes); moisture removal is mixed on Amazon. - Quietness2.0
Why 2.0?
About 70 dB (Tom's Guide), the loudest measured here; noise is mixed on Amazon. - Tank & drainage3.5
Why 3.5?
2-gallon tank with an included 3-foot hose (Tom's Guide), but some Amazon owners report drainage problems. - Energy use3.0
Why 3.0?
Uses R-32 refrigerant, but no source measured its power draw, and it gives off a lot of heat (Tom's Guide). - Durability2.0
Why 2.0?
Reliability and durability are Amazon negatives (units dying after weeks or months); 21% of ratings are 1-2 stars.
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Best overall (updated 2026-09-22): fast, handles large spaces, intuitive app; cons are noise and a short power cable. The full review adds heat output as a con.
#6
Frigidaire
$$Compressor50 pints/dayScore 3.2/5
32%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)2-star 5% + 1-star 27% of 5,720 ratings; the listing pools the 35-pint, 50-pint and 50-pint-with-pump variants.A no-app workhorse that dried Tom's Guide's test rooms fast and works in cool basements. But it's loud, and Amazon owners report freezing, error codes and early failures; nearly a third of its ratings are 1 or 2 stars.
Top complaints
- Dies early, freezes over, throws error codesVery common
Durability, freezing and error codes are negative aspects on Amazon, with owners reporting units that stopped working after 4 months or broke within two years, and coils freezing over. Wirecutter says a significant percentage of Frigidaire dehumidifiers get owner reports of mechanical failure.
- Loud on highVery common
Tom's Guide measured about 63 dB against Frigidaire's advertised 51 dB. Amazon owners call noise mixed, some saying it's louder than previous versions.
- No app, no hose, heavyMentioned often
There is no app or remote connectivity, and no drain hose is included. At 41 lb and almost 25 inches tall, it's hard to carry up and down stairs.
What owners love
- Dries rooms very quickly
It took 90% humidity down to 35% in 40 minutes in a basement bathroom, and about 50% down to 35% in 20 minutes in a roughly 1,000 sq ft basement. Effectiveness is an Amazon positive.
- Simple controls, accurate readings
Push-button controls with a humidity display; its readings matched Tom's Guide's reference monitor almost perfectly.
- Works in cold basements
It is designed to run down to 41°F, has a washable filter, and has casters and a stow-away handle.
Skip it if…- You want remote control or alerts
- It will run where you spend time
- Long service life is your priority
Good for- Set-and-forget use in large, damp basements
- Chilly spaces (rated down to 41°F)
- People who don't want an app
Scores (tap for why)
- Moisture removal4.5
Why 4.5?
90% to 35% in 40 minutes, and fast in a 1,000 sq ft basement (Tom's Guide); effectiveness is an Amazon positive. - Quietness2.5
Why 2.5?
About 63 dB measured against 51 dB claimed (Tom's Guide); noise is mixed on Amazon. - Tank & drainage3.5
Why 3.5?
Front bucket of nearly 2 gallons that's easy to pull out, plus a continuous-drain option, but no hose is included. - Energy use4.0
Why 4.0?
Energy Star certified; about 350 W on high and 40 W idle, on par with similar units (Tom's Guide). - Durability1.5
Why 1.5?
Durability, freezing and error codes are Amazon negatives, and 32% of ratings are 1-2 stars; Wirecutter notes a high Frigidaire failure rate. 1-year warranty.
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Best for large spaces (updated 2026-09-22): strong, efficient and simple; cons are noise (about 60 dB in the roundup, 63 dB in the full review) and no app.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Hasn't tested this exact model, but warns that Frigidaire dehumidifiers draw more owner complaints of mechanical failure than the Midea Cube; it dropped its former Frigidaire small pick for reliability.
#7
Pro Breeze
$Mini / thermoelectric0.56 pints/dayScore 2.5/5
20%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)2-star 6% + 1-star 14% of 44,967 ratings.One of Amazon's most-rated dehumidifiers, and nearly silent. But it removes only about 9 oz of water a day, an independent tester found it made no meaningful difference to a room, and durability is its biggest Amazon complaint.
Top complaints
- Stops working after a few monthsVery common
Durability is a negative aspect on Amazon (1,806 mentions), with several owners saying it stopped working after three months.
- Too weak for most roomsVery common
Housefresh found it couldn't remove enough moisture to have a meaningful effect in its test room and wouldn't recommend it for spaces larger than a small cupboard. Amazon owners are split on water removal (some say it collects no water) and power.
- Dim indicator light; picky about temperatureOccasional
Housefresh found the LED so dim it's hard to tell whether it's on during the day. Pro Breeze says it works best at 59-86°F and won't work below 41°F.
What owners love
- Very quiet
Housefresh measured 35.5 dBA at 3 ft in a 35 dBA room. Noise level is the top Amazon positive (2,445 mentions).
- Compact and simple
Compact size and moisture removal are Amazon positives, especially for bathrooms and small spaces. It is one-button, with auto shut-off when full.
- Cheap to buy and run
Housefresh says it costs under $50, measured 41.1 W at top speed and estimated about $31.77 a year at 12 hours a day.
Skip it if…- You need to dry a basement or a real room
- You expect it to last years
- The space is colder than 59°F
Good for- Closets, small bathrooms and cabinets
- Silent operation
- Very small budgets
Scores (tap for why)
- Moisture removal1.0
Why 1.0?
Rated to remove up to 9 oz a day; Housefresh saw no meaningful effect in its test room; water removal is mixed on Amazon. - Quietness4.5
Why 4.5?
35.5 dBA at 3 ft (Housefresh); noise is the top Amazon positive. - Tank & drainage2.0
Why 2.0?
16-ounce tank with auto shut-off; no continuous-drain option is mentioned. - Energy use3.0
Why 3.0?
Low absolute draw (Housefresh measured 41.1 W against a 23 W claim), but very little water removed per watt. - Durability2.0
Why 2.0?
Durability is a major Amazon negative (units dying after about three months); 20% of ratings are 1-2 stars.
What experts say
- Housefresh: Not recommended for most people (2026-06-28): small and quiet, but the extraction rate is too low for anything bigger than a small cupboard; it suggests the Midea Cube 20 instead.
#8
Eva-Dry
$DesiccantScore 2.3/5
12%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)2-star 4% + 1-star 8% of 35,468 ratings.A cordless silica-gel canister for closets, safes and cabinets that you recharge by plugging it in, not a room dehumidifier. Owners like that it keeps small spaces dry, but complain about color beads that don't change, frequent recharging and heat while it renews.
Top complaints
- Indicator beads don't change colorVery common
Bead color is a negative aspect on Amazon, with some units showing no color change at all, which makes it hard to tell when to recharge.
- Needs frequent, slow rechargingVery common
Rechargeability is mixed on Amazon, with some owners needing to recharge weekly. Eva-Dry says it lasts 20-30 days per charge, and BHG notes renewal takes 12-14 hours.
- Gets very hot; may not lastMentioned often
Heat is a negative aspect on Amazon (it gets very hot), and durability is mixed: some report two good years, others say it doesn't last.
What owners love
- Keeps small spaces dry
Moisture absorption is an Amazon positive, with owners saying it holds 50-60% humidity in small spaces.
- Reusable for years
BHG says the renewal process can be repeated for up to 10 years, making it a great value.
- Cordless and spill-free
Eva-Dry says it hangs anywhere, is spill-free, and absorbs up to 6 oz before recharging, for areas up to 333 cubic feet.
Skip it if…- You need to dry a room or basement
- You won't recharge it every few weeks
- You want an exact humidity readout
Good for- Gun safes, closets, cabinets, boats and cars
- No-cord, no-spill moisture control
- Reusable for years
Scores (tap for why)
- Moisture removal1.5
Why 1.5?
Holds about 6 oz before recharging and is meant for up to 333 cubic feet; absorption is an Amazon positive, but drying performance is mixed. - Tank & drainage2.5
Why 2.5?
No tank to empty, but it needs a 12-14 hour recharge (BHG) every 20-30 days (Eva-Dry), and Amazon owners find the color indicator unreliable. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Renewable for up to 10 years (BHG), but durability is mixed on Amazon; 12% of ratings are 1-2 stars.
What experts say
- Better Homes & Gardens: Best small (updated 2026-07-14): renewable for up to 10 years and a great value; it takes 12-14 hours to renew. BHG's text names the 'High Capacity' Eva-Dry (about 62 sq ft), which may be the larger E-500 rather than this E-333.