10 Best Dehumidifiers for Basements in 2023: Reviews & Top Picks

Although high levels of humidity are most common during the hot, balmy summer months, dampness can occur at any time of year. When it builds indoors, with symptoms including condensation on windows and occurrences of mold on walls, it can lead to lethargy and may exacerbate respiratory and other health conditions, including asthma. Dehumidifiers remove water from the air and, generally, it is advised that they are placed in the lowest level of the home. Because the basement tends to be damp and can be a large space, this means that you typically need a high-quality and powerful dehumidifier to effectively work for you.

Below, we have included reviews of 10 of the best dehumidifiers for basements this year, including large 70-liter models as well as compact 22-liter options.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		hOmeLabs Energy Star Dehumidifier	Comfort and turbo modes, as well as continuous Suitable for 4,500 square feet Quiet fan operation	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		Ivation Energy Star Dehumidifier	Cheap Decent range of modes and settings Mobile and easy to move	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		Honeywell Smart Energy Star Dehumidifier	2.1-gallon water tank won’t need emptying too often Includes a continuous drain tube to automatically empty the tank Can be controlled via WiFi and Alexa voice commands Can be controlled via WiFi and Alexa voice commands	CHECK PRICE
		TOSOT Dehumidifier with Internal Pump	2-gallon bucket is generous Can be set to automatically empty Control panel shows current humidity level	CHECK PRICE
		Frigidaire Dehumidifier Low Humidity	Small, lightweight unit Easy to move around Cheap	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Dehumidifiers for Basements

1. hOmeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier – Best Overall

The hOmeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier has a 1.6-gallon water tank that collects up to 50 pints of water per day and is suitable for spaces up to 4,500 square feet. It has a modern design and, as well as a continuous mode, it also has a comfort mode which dehumidifies according to the actual ambient temperature of the room. There is also a turbo mode that is used in very damp rooms and can also help to eliminate damp odors.

This brand claims that this has a quiet fan. It has built-in wheels and handles that make it easy to move and relocate and an automatic shut-off that turns the device off when the water tank is full.

The hOmeLabs 4,500 Humidifier is a little on the expensive side but it is inoffensive to look at, easy to move, and it has a good selection of modes and settings that are easy to use, as well as a decent capacity and tank size, making it the best dehumidifier for basement spaces.

2. Ivation 3,000 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier – Best Value

The Ivation 3,000 Square Feet Energy Star Dehumidifier doesn’t have the same capacity as the hOmeLabs above, and it isn’t designed for as large of a space, but if your basement is smaller and your needs not as great, it is a more compact and sleeker device with a much lower price tag.

This is another device with rollers and handles, and because it’s lighter, it is even easier to move around. It has a 0.85-gallon tank with a tank fill viewing window, and it allows you to set a delay before the machine starts operating, as well as a humidity display and control settings.

The machine is fairly basic, but it does offer a decent range of settings and modes once you know how to access them. Its low price and mobility, as well as its quiet fan, make it the best dehumidifier for the basement for the price. It would benefit from more intuitive controls, however, especially if you are looking to get to the humidity control operation.

3. Honeywell Smart WiFi Energy Star Dehumidifier – Premium Choice

The Honeywell Smart WiFi Energy Star Dehumidifier is rated to clear up to 50 pints of moisture from the air in spaces up to 4,000 square feet according to 2019 standards. It can connect to your WiFi network and, using the Honeywell cell phone app, you can control the humidity settings and other features from your phone without having to step foot down in the basement. You can even use Alexa voice commands instead of your phone.

It has casters for easy movement and the water tank, which holds 2.1 gallons of water, so it shouldn’t require you to empty it too frequently. Unlike a lot of dehumidifiers, the Honeywell Smart Dehumidifier also comes with a continuous drain tube, which means that you don’t even have to manually empty the tank if you have somewhere to automatically drain the liquid.

The Honeywell has a good range of features, but it is expensive, and it is louder than a lot of competing units. But that shouldn’t prove too big of a problem when installed in the basement.

4. TOSOT 50 Pint Dehumidifier with Internal Pump

The TOSOT 50 Pint Dehumidifier will remove up to 50 pints of water per day from a space up to 4,500 square feet. The unit does include an internal pump, which means it can be set to empty automatically, but it doesn’t come with the hose or pipe that you need, and connecting the pipe can be fiddly with some reports of the gromet breaking during fixing.

Failing that, the unit comes with a 2-gallon bucket, which is a generous size compared to most and means that you shouldn’t have to empty the unit too often. For its size, the TOSOT 50 Pint Dehumidifier with Internal Pump is reasonably priced, albeit a little on the expensive side compared to competitors. It also has a loud beeping to accompany the tank full noise. This might not be a problem when used in the basement but is likely too loud for use in other rooms.

5. Frigidaire Dehumidifier Low Humidity 22 Pint Capacity

The Frigidaire Dehumidifier Low Humidity 22 Pint Capacity dehumidifier does only have a 22-pint capacity and is only considered suitable for use in a small to medium room, but if you have a small basement space or you want a unit that you can move from room to room, its smaller capacity, lower price tag, and its portability mean that the Frigidaire could be the right choice for you.

The unit still has custom humidity settings, and the water tank holds 2 gallons, which is bigger than seen in some of the bigger units. The design is slim and small, has casters so it can be wheeled around, and there is a continuous drain operation mode, although there is no hose so you will need one of your own if you want to use this setting.

6. GE Energy Star Portable Dehumidifier 50 Pint With Pump

The GE Energy Star Portable Dehumidifier 50 Pint with Pump is designed to cope with wet and very damp environments and is rated to remove 50 pints of moisture from the environment per day.

It has a 1.8-gallon water tank, which may need replacing daily or more than once per day in a very wet environment, but the unit also has an internal pump which means that you can add your own continuous drain hose and eliminate the water into a sump pump, the drainage, or out of a window. There is an alert to let you know when the bucket is full or missing, a reminder when it is time to clean the filter, and it has multiple fan speeds with an adjustable humidistat.

The unit is a little on the expensive side, although not the most expensive, and it is loud. It’s also quite tricky to get the water tank back into the unit once you’ve emptied it.

7. Honeywell Large SqFt Design 70 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier

The Honeywell Large SqFt Design 70 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier is capable of removing up to 50 pints of moisture from the air every 24 hours. Although the unit is called a 70-pint dehumidifier, that’s using old standards. New standards set in 2019 make this a 50-pint unit.

It is rated to work in spaces up to 4,000 square feet, which should be ample for most basements. It has a 1.6-gallon water tank and also offers continuous drain operation. The unit also comes with its own hose, but it is a short, inflexible hose, and it is very difficult to find another hose to fit. Most units work with standard garden hoses, but you may have to shop around for one suitable for this product. The Honeywell is one of the more expensive products on this list, but it does have a 24-hour timer, sleep mode, and a clearly visible humidity reading on the front of the device.

8. Frigidaire FFAD5033W1 High Humidity 50 Pint Capacity Dehumidifier

With a 2.1-gallon water tank and the ability to add your own hose for continuous drainage, the Frigidaire FFAD5033W1 High Humidity 50 Pint Capacity Dehumidifier has decent capacity, although it’s unclear what size space it is rated for because it is unlisted in their paperwork. It has the usual features, including a washable filter so that you don’t have to find or buy replacements, custom humidity control settings, and an automatic shut-off that will stop the dehumidifier when the water tank is full.

It is a little pricey for what is quite a basic unit, and it doesn’t include a hose, although it should work with any standard garden hose. And while the product is reasonably quiet while running, it makes a lot of noise when starting up and shutting down.

9. LG PuriCare 2019 50-Pint Black Energy Star Dehumidifier

The LG PuriCare 2019 50-Pint Black Energy Star Dehumidifier is a good-looking dehumidifier that claims to be able to extract up to 50 pints of moisture from the air every 24 hours.

It is only rated to work in spaces up to 2,000 square feet, which is quite a lot lower than other devices. It is expensive when compared to most others on the list. It also only has a limited choice of 2 fan speeds, but while most other units are plastic, this is made with a metal frame and metal case. As well as an auto shut-off mode that turns the dehumidifier off when the tank is full, it has an AirFlow Blockage Alarm and a Safety Standby mode that turns the product off for an hour after 23 hours of continuous use, therefore preventing overheating.

This is a dehumidifier designed to work in very damp and wet rooms, but not necessarily in large spaces, and LG has clearly concentrated on safety features and looks over maximum capacity.

10. Shinco 5,000 Sq.Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier with Pump

The Shinco 5,000 Sq.Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier with Pump is capable of removing up to 50 pints of liquid every 24 hours, according to 2019 standards, but still uses its 2012 rating of 70 liters. It has a 1.85-gallon water bucket, and it does have the capability to run on continuous drain mode and includes a hose for this purpose. However, the hose is a bespoke hose so you can’t replace it with a longer garden hose, for example.

The instructions are a bit difficult to get to grips with, and although it does include a hose, it isn’t the best and can be difficult to find a replacement.

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Dehumidifier for Basements

A dehumidifier can remove moisture from the air, effectively reducing humidity levels. One can help improve the efficiency of air conditioning, avoid mold and mildew taking hold of a property, and improve the living conditions in a home, especially for residents that suffer from asthma and other respiratory conditions. There are plenty of dehumidifiers on the market, but while some are suitable for small rooms like bathrooms or kitchens, you typically need one with a larger capacity that is rated to work in larger spaces if you are shopping for a dehumidifier to use in your basement.

How Do Dehumidifiers Work?

Dehumidifiers usually work by drawing in air from the surrounding environment. The air passes over coils, which are cooled with a refrigerant liquid. As the air molecules cool, they form condensation. The condensate runs into a water tank or a reservoir, which is then manually or automatically emptied. The air, which has now been cooled, is then warmed before being passed back into the room. Warming the air before it is exhausted prevents the dehumidifier from cooling the room down.

Will A Dehumidifier Get Rid of Mold?

Mold typically grows in patches on walls and other surfaces in the home and is actually a large colony of microorganisms. They like damp because they consume moisture, which means that they especially like humid environments where moisture levels are high.

If moisture is removed, mold becomes dormant and will remain on surfaces until more moisture is reintroduced. This means that if mold has already settled on surfaces around your home, using a dehumidifier will not kill or get rid of mold, but it will send the microorganisms into a dormant state.

A dehumidifier can prevent mold from taking hold of your property and may prevent it from spreading, if you already have a mold infestation, however.

Are Dehumidifiers Good for Basements?

Dehumidifiers tend to do best when they are in the dampest areas of your home. As such, they are commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, where it gets dampest. In the basement, they can be effective, especially if you don’t use the room regularly.

Set the dehumidifier to work when the air reaches a particular humidity level and aim for a lower level, have the water pump into a sink or out of a window, and you only need to check on it every couple of days to clean the filter and ensure it is operating properly.

How Often Should You Run a Dehumidifier in a Basement?

If your basement has high humidity levels, usually above 50%, it may be beneficial to run a dehumidifier for the majority of the day. However, always consider safety. Turn the unit for an hour or two each day to prevent it from overheating. If you see a noticeable difference in energy levels, it might be time to find an alternative solution to your damp problems.

Dehumidifier Features

There are lots of dehumidifiers on the market, and you need to ensure that you get the one that is most efficient and effective for your space and your humidity levels, taking into account the following features.

Capacity

Capacity is the amount of moisture that a dehumidifier can remove from the air in a 24-hour period. Usually measured in pints, the figure can range from around 20–50 pints. When comparing the capacity of units, it is important that you look at the standards used to measure the capacity.

The ratings changed in 2019. Up to 2019, dehumidifiers are tested at 65°F, but prior to this change, they were tested at 80°F. This change means that a dehumidifier tested by 2018 standards might have a capacity of 70 pints per 24-hour period but tested according to modern ratings would only have a capacity of 50 pints per 24 hours. It is the same dehumidifier and would give the same results in the same conditions, but it is worth noting when comparing units on a like-for-like basis, so always look at the ratings that were used to give the rated capacity.

Space

Space is the amount of space that a dehumidifier can effectively dehumidify. Some units are only capable of removing moisture from a small amount of air local to the unit, while others can work over a much larger area. This is usually down to the fan speed and the product’s resulting capability to pull in more or less air.

Basements can be as large as a full floor of a house, which means that portable dehumidifiers rated as being suitable for small or even medium-sized rooms are unlikely to be able to effectively work on an entire basement level. Measure the size of your basement and ensure that you get a dehumidifier with at least that amount of space rating.

Typical values for basement-capable dehumidifiers can range up to 5,000 square feet, but you may not need a unit this powerful and could save money by choosing something a little less powerful.

Continuous Drain Pump

Portable dehumidifiers usually work by collecting condensate in a water tank. This tank might need to be manually emptied every day or, in some cases, more than once a day. Alternatively, a lot of modern products have a pump.

This allows you to fit a hose or pipe and have the water automatically pumped into your drainage, a sink, or out of a window. There’s no need to empty the tank manually, making it a more convenient and easier alternative. If you choose a product that does include a pump, determine whether it includes a continuous drain hose or whether you will need to use an existing pipe. If you do need your own pipe, some products are designed to work with standard garden hoses, making them convenient and easy.

Some that include their own hose use a proprietary hose size and shape, and if these aren’t long enough or you need a replacement, it can be difficult to find a replacement, so this is another factor worth checking.

Water Tank Capacity

If you don’t have the capability to run a continuous drain pump, look at the water tank capacity because this will give an indication of how often you will need to empty the tank. Some of the biggest tanks will hold 2 gallons. This means that you shouldn’t need to empty them as often, but the full tank will weigh more than a 1 gallon or smaller tank.

Automatic Shut-Off

An automatic shut-off turns the dehumidifier off after determining that the water tank is full. This prevents water from flooding out of the dehumidifier and potentially damaging your floor. Virtually all products include this feature, but it is worth double checking.

Fan Speeds

The more moisture in the air, the harder a dehumidifier has to work. Or, more accurately, the harder the fans in the product have to spin. While the cheapest models usually have a fixed fan speed, some of the more expensive and premium options include multiple fan speeds. If the humidity in your basement fluctuates wildly, it can be beneficial to have multiple fan settings.

Similarly, if you have very high levels of humidity, additional fan speeds will help because you can turn the fan up full when the dehumidifier starts and turn the fan speed down as it does its job and clears the moisture from the air.

Conclusion

A dehumidifier is an effective way of reducing humidity levels in your home, which means reducing the amount of moisture in the air. They can be especially effective in the basement, as long as you choose one that is suitable for the space. Above, we have included reviews of 10 of the best dehumidifiers for basements based on features, cost, and capacity, to help you find the one that is best for your needs.

We believe the hOmeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier, with its maximum space and capacity requirements, is the best overall, although it is a little pricey and potentially unnecessary for smaller basements. The Ivation 3,000 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier is cheaper and better suited to smaller spaces, but its tank is small and needs emptying frequently.

Featured Image Credit: Mariia Boiko, Shutterstock