ConsFirst / Humidifiers / Compare
Dreo HM311S 4L Smart Humidifier vs Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
Dreo HM311S 4L Smart Humidifier ranks higher (#2 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on easy cleaning, durability. Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier wins on humidifying power, quietness, tank & runtime.
The biggest complaint about the Dreo HM311S 4L Smart Humidifier is leaks and cracked tanks; for the Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier it's leaks. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Dreo HM311S 4L Smart Humidifier | Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in humidifiers | #2 | #4 |
| Price tier | $ | $$ |
| Type | Ultrasonic | Ultrasonic |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 10% | 10% |
| Overall score | 3.7 | 3.6 |
| Humidifying power | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Easy cleaning | 4.5 | 3.0 |
| Quietness | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Tank & runtime | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Running cost | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Durability | 3.0 | 2.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $60 · $$ $60–150 · $$$ over $150. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Dreo HM311S 4L Smart Humidifier
- Leaks and cracked tanks
Leakage (200 of 227 mentions) and durability (179 of 229) are negative aspects on Amazon. Owners report water leaking from the bottom, units breaking within two months, and cracked tanks.
- Feels less sturdy; small tank without a handle
Wirecutter says the construction doesn't feel as durable as its other picks, the 4 L tank is smaller than they'd like, and it has no carrying handle.
Source: Wirecutter - White residue with tap water
Wirecutter says to use distilled or filtered water, since minerals in tap water can leave white residue or particulate matter in the air.
Source: Wirecutter - Not the quietest
CNN Underscored measured an average of 34 dB and called it not as quiet as others it tested. It also has no on-unit sleep-mode button.
Source: CNN Underscored
Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier
- Leaks
Leakage is a negative aspect in Amazon's review summary (607 of 668 mentions negative), with owners saying it leaks everywhere. Wirecutter says Amazon reviewers and a few staffers found the tank started leaking after a few months, some pointing to the float-valve rubber stopper.
- Breaks within months
Durability is negative on Amazon (411 of 570 mentions), with owners reporting units that broke within about three months or turned off constantly.
- Crevices that are tedious to clean
Good Housekeeping's only listed con is a base with many cracks and crevices. Wirecutter found the area around the mist chimney and the water channel in the basin tricky to scrub. The Spruce, however, found it easy to clean.
- Shorter runtime than claimed; clunky app
CNN Underscored's 6 L tank lasted about 39 hours on low against Levoit's 60-hour claim, and it struggled in medium-size rooms. CNN also called the VeSync app buggy, and Wirecutter found the icon-only buttons counterintuitive.
- White film with tap water
Wirecutter says you should use distilled or demineralized water, or the mist can leave a chalky white film across the room.
Source: Wirecutter
Who should pick which
Pick the Dreo HM311S 4L Smart Humidifier if
Bedrooms and nurseries up to about 300 sq ft
Tight budgets that still want auto mode and an app
Easy cleaning
Skip it if: You need to humidify a large room; Light sleepers who want near-silence; You won't use distilled water
Pick the Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier if
Bedrooms and medium rooms
Quiet overnight use
App and voice control on a mid-range budget
Skip it if: A leak onto furniture or floors would be a disaster; You hate scrubbing crevices; You won't use distilled water
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.