(checked 2026-10-10)
Wirecutter's top pick: powerful, nearly silent and one of the few ultrasonics whose auto mode doesn't fog the room. But Amazon owners flag reliability and durability as negatives, and you need distilled water to avoid white dust.
Top complaints
- Breaks or cracks within a season or two
Reliability and durability are negative aspects in Amazon's review summary (durability: 101 of 142 mentions negative), with owners describing units that stopped working, tanks that cracked and leaked, and units that broke after about 1.5 years.
- Humidity control gets erratic over time
Wirecutter's tests found the auto mode accurate, but it has heard from readers, staff and Amazon reviewers that the humidity reading becomes unreliable over time. Resetting the unit (hold power for 15 seconds) often helps. Amazon's summary calls humidity output mixed, with some owners saying no mist comes out at all.
- White dust and a fiddly base
Wirecutter warns that, like other ultrasonics, it can leave a trail of fine mineral dust unless you use distilled or filtered water, and the base has nooks that are annoying to clean. Amazon owners are split on cleaning, with some saying there are too many parts to take apart.
- Warm mist runs dangerously hot
Wirecutter notes the warm-mist heating element can get dangerously hot and cites the Mayo Clinic's advice against warm-mist models in homes with children. It also recommends skipping the essential-oil tray.
Source: Wirecutter
What owners love
- Very powerful, without over-humidifying
Wirecutter measured about a 24% humidity rise in a small room over two hours, and on auto it held the room within 5% of a 60% target for three days.
Source: Wirecutter - Essentially silent
Wirecutter couldn't accurately measure its noise (a faint ~200 Hz whir at most). Noise level is a positive aspect on Amazon.
- Easy top-fill tank with a handle
Wirecutter found the lift-off lid, handle and wide opening easier to carry, fill and scrub than other tanks. Levoit lists a 1.58-gallon (6 L) tank and a 2-year warranty.
Source: Wirecutter, Levoit official product page
- You won't buy distilled water
- You have small children (warm-mist mode gets very hot)
- You want a unit that reliably lasts many seasons
- Medium to large rooms
- People who want warm and cool mist in one unit
- Smart-home control and auto humidity
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick (updated 2026-10-06): powerful, quiet and easy to fill, and it doesn't over-humidify. Flaws are a base with nooks to clean, humidity control that some owners say drifts over time, and the need for distilled water.