When the weather gets a little colder, many of us hate putting away our air conditioners and fear condensation and mould, thanks to excess moisture in the home. Don’t let yourself get too stressed, though. The best budget dehumidifier (that's right, you don't need to splash out) will take out the overwhelming anxiety and reduce any risk of respiratory issues, too 😮💨
When moisture in the home becomes a problem, mould and mildew can ruin your belongings, including your clothes. And, if you’re like us, you’d very much like to keep your wardrobe intact. Luckily, a dehumidifier will often double as a laundry dryer. Drying clothes indoors during the colder months is less than ideal – instead use a dehumidifier rather than a tumble dryer to save money and prevent any mould. It’s a brilliant hack, saving you money, too – we love to see it.
Closer's best budget dehumidifiers, at a glance:
Best value budget dehumidifier
Best budget dehumidifier for energy efficiency
Best budget dehumidifier for larger spaces
We chatted with Joshua Warren, a dehumidifier expert at AO.com, to answer any questions you may have about this appliance, which we reckon could be pretty important for your home and wellbeing. A dehumidifier not only extracts moisture from the air; Josh adds that it extracts moisture using a refrigeration process and releases dryer air back into the room, promoting better air quality. So, rest assured – your home may feel a little safer, drier and mould-free in days to come, thanks to these affordable picks ✨
Best budget dehumidifiers
Below, are some of the best dehumidifier deals which will change your life.
Best budget dehumidifier overall
![Swan 20 Litre Low Energy Dehumidifier](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/07/Swan-20-Litre-Low-Energy-Dehumidifier.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Experience the comfort and freshness of a perfectly moisture-free home with this Swan 20 Litre Low Energy Dehumidifier, which sits in our top spot. Removing up to 20 litres of moisture from the air in just 24 hours, combating mould, damp and excess humidity from your abode. Equipped with a generous water tank, this appliance automatically shuts off to prevent overfilling. Plus, we love the fitted handle to help wheel it around the home - moisture control wherever needed. Thanks to the user-friendly LED display, you can set a timer and your desired humidity levels.
From a handful of reviews, this Swan pick has earned 4.8/5 stars. Customers have called it "brilliant" - with one customer commenting that they're not disappointed by this model. They add that the water collection is well-thought-out and their room no longer feels too chilly, rich with moisture, but now feels warm. Another calls it a great "asset" - keeping their home damp and mildew-free - though it's said to be a little noisy. It's said to dry clothes within two hours on low setting. You can transform your living space into a fresher, healthier environment, combining high efficiency, user-friendly features, and great value.
Pros
- High capacity - and removes up to 20 litres of moisture per day
- User-friendly with an easy-to-use LED display and 24-hour timer
- Energy-efficient and automatically maintains moisture levels
Cons
- 4L tank may require frequent emptying in damper houses
Dimensions | 34.2 x 25.1 x 56.1cm |
Weight | Unspecified. |
Capacity | 4 L / 2 - 16 m sq. |
Noise | Unspecified. |
- High Moisture Removal: Extracts up to 20 litres per day.
- Generous Water Tank: 4-litre capacity with auto shut-off.
- Portable Design: Fitted handle and wheels for easy movement.
- User-Friendly Interface: LED display with soft-touch panel.
- 24-Hour Timer: Customizable operation schedule.
- Sleep Display Mode: Ensures undisturbed sleep.
- Adjustable Humidity Levels: Set between 35% and 85%.
- Smart Humidity Sensor: Automatic switch-off at the desired level.
- Enhanced Air Quality: Reduces mould spores and dust mites.
- Energy Efficient: Low energy consumption.
Best value budget dehumidifier
![RUSSELL HOBBS RHDH1061G Portable Dehumidifier - Grey](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/07/RUSSELL-HOBBS-RHDH1061G-Portable-Dehumidifier-Grey.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Small, compact and powerful, this affordable Russell Hobbs RHDH1061G Mini Compact Grey Dehumidifier is suitable for rooms up to 20m², making it perfect for small spaces - bedrooms, laundry rooms, and bathrooms. It has many nifty features such as the auto cut-off function for peace of mind, a 1-litre water tank with a max extraction rate of 750ml per day and a simple control panel with LED lighting. Plus, the three-speed settings and a low noise function offer complete flexibility without disruptions. We love to see it. What are the reviews saying?
Customers like the size of the dehumidifier, saying it's ideal for small spaces - from bedrooms to bathrooms affected by dampness. From the handful of reviews, customers love how sleek and stylish it is - and portable for easy movement from room to room. However, customers differ on noise.
Pros
- Advanced H13 HEPA filter for allergies
- 2-in-1 dehumidifier and air purifier
- Compact design to suit all households
Cons
- Not ideal for a house - best used for flats or specific rooms
Dimensions | 22 x 14 cm |
Weight | 0.9 kg |
Capacity | 600 ml / 15 m sq. |
Noise | 35 dB |
- Advanced H13 HEPA filter, Ozone free filtration
- 1L water tank with a max extraction rate of 750ml per day
- 2 in 1 Dehumidifier and Air Purifier and compact design
Best budget dehumidifier for energy efficiency
The electriQ 5L Quiet Compact Dehumidifier and Air Purifier is an energy-efficient model to help save money on electricity bills. Perfect for apartments and small houses, it's cost-effective, extracts 5 litres daily, and has a handy handle for portability. Super handy. Set your ideal humidity, enjoy a quiet night's sleep with its sleep mode, and stay worry-free with the child-lock safety feature. A quiet, energy-efficient way to solve dampness. It's a great investment - and affordable, too.
From over 100 reviews, this electriQ dehumidifier has amassed a 4.6/5 star rating - with capacity (4.3) and adjustability (4.4) rated well, alongside exceptionally rated value for money (4.6) and design/build quality (4.5). Customers love this little machine - claiming it's quiet and works well. One customer appreciates the handle on the top - to help move it about, room to room. It's said to be perfect for smaller spaces - but can be popped around different rooms periodically. Another adds that "according to our smart meter, [it] doesn't use an excessive amount of power", which is a relief. However, some found the control panel hard to read.
Pros
- Energy-efficient, great for any room or small flats
- Fully adjustable power that is easy to use
- Anti-bacterial ioniser removes nasties from the air
Cons
- Some found the control panel hard to read
Dimensions | 25.3 x 21.5 x 41 cm |
Weight | 7 kg |
Capacity | 1.5 L Tank / 5L Rate |
Noise | Unspecified. |
- Ideal for apartments, single rooms, and small houses (up to 3 bedrooms).
- Great for drying clothes, cheaper to run than a tumble dryer.
- Extracts up to 5 litres of water per day.
- Highly portable with sturdy retractable handle - can be placed on a table or worktop.
- Humidistat lets you set the humidity level (50-55% suitable for most homes).
- Activated carbon filter removes odours.
- Built-in anti-bacterial ioniser also removes large particles from the air, i.e. tobacco.
- Quiet fan operation ensures the right balance between noise and dehumidification.
- Ioniser and carbon filter to improve air quality.
- Digital backlit LCD display showing current Humidity.
- Easy to use - Automatic Smart function - set once and forget.
Best budget dehumidifier for larger spaces
![Russell Hobbs RHDH2002B 20L Dehumidifier, Black](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/07/Russell-Hobbs-Dehumidifier-20-Litre.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Reduce humidity, dry laundry and minimise dampness. Yes, please. This Russell Hobbs RHDH2002B 20L Dehumidifier, Black has all the bells and whistles to help solve any damp or mould problems. Perfect for larger spaces (35 to 50 m sq., to be exact), this Russell Hobbs pick is great for open-plan living that sorely needs a boost. With a three-litre water tank, this gadget comes with an impressive 20-litre-a-day extraction rate, meaning mould and dampness are tackled faster, and more efficiently. Complete with timer settings, SMART mode and even a dryer function to help with laundry, you're set for a healthy, happy and efficient household. We were lucky enough to test this dehumidifier - here's what we think.
Tried and Tested by Closer writer, Piper Huxley:
"Moving into a cold flat in spring is not unprecedented. However, when the seasons are changing, and the house is still like an ice cube, then there's a problem. I moved into a Georgian-era listed property in Hampshire and was charmed by its "character", but was promptly shivering all day long, whilst working from home. Assuming it was a build-up of condensation in this old property, I was recommended a dehumidifier. It's safe to say I was overjoyed when this Russell Hobbs dehumidifier turned up on our doorstep - and it has totally turned my little old flat around.
"Thanks to its large capacity and mega extraction rate, it tackles a large proportion of our property with each run. It comes in handy when drying clothes, too, so as not to cause condensation - and with the super-handy drying function speeding up emergency washes. Thanks to this gadget, all the moisture in the air (in places where we didn't have extractor fans or proper ventilation) has improved. I was finding it tricky to adjust to my new home, as I am mildly asthmatic. Mildew and dust mites were brought about by high moisture levels and were affecting my lungs. Asthma attacks are less frequent, now. This was a necessary gadget for a safe home. It's a great way to bring heating bills, too."
Pros
- Perfect for larger spaces - from open-plan to garages
- Helpful alarm when the collection tank needs emptying
- Easy-to-use LED with timer, smart and dryer modes
Cons
- A little bulky - worth it!
Dimensions | 51 x 35 x 24.5 cm |
Weight | 15 kg |
Capacity | 20 L Extraction / 3 L Tank |
Noise | N/A |
- Perfect for larger and more open spaces - 35-50 m sq. coverage.
- The extraction rate is impressive - at 20L in just 24 hours.
- Complete with timer, SMART mode and a dryer function for laundry day.
- Easy to empty water tank, which tells you when it's full!
Best budget dehumidifier for easy mobility
![Zanussi 18L Dehumidifier](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/07/Zanussi-18L-Dehumidifier.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Stylish and efficient, the Zanussi 18L Dehumidifier is an efficient solution for rooms between 30 and 45 m sq., such as living rooms, bedrooms and garages. Whether drying laundry, reducing humidity, or minimising dampness and condensation, with a maximum extraction rate of 18L a day, it packs a punch. With an easy-to-empty 2.5L water tank and turbo and dry mode for extra moisture removal, this model is super handy and will serve you well in the days to come.
From a handful of ratings, the Zanussi pick has an average of 4.3/5 stars, which we can get behind. Reviews love the quality and efficiency. One customer says it is "very good on [the] dry settings" and also praises the dehumidifier. However, it is a little noisy in the dryer setting, as expected. Some customers didn't find it loud at all. It's said to be not big or bulky, and suitable for small to medium rooms. It does the job - and it's budget-friendly. What more could you want?
Pros
- Impressively high extraction capacity of 18L per day
- Continuous drain facility for effortless moisture control
- Auto defrost and restart for reliable winter operation.
Cons
- Some customers say it's very noisy!
Dimensions | 19.2 x 30.5 x 49 cm |
Weight | 10 kg |
Capacity | 18L a day / 30 - 45m² / 2.5 L Tank |
Noise | Unspecified. |
- Suitable for room sizes between 30-45m².
- 2.5L water tank with maximum extraction of 18L a day.
- Continuous drain facility and handy LED display.
- Auto defrost and restart with two fan speeds.
- Tubro and dry mode with integrated carry handles/castors.
Best budget dehumidifier for small spaces
![EasyAcc Dehumidifier Ultra Quiet](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/08/EasyAcc-Dehumidifier-Ultra-Quiet.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
For dehumidifying small spaces, this EasyAcc Dehumidifier Ultra Quiet has a powerful performance for moisture control and drying clothes. Collecting up to 1.2L per day, this appliance effectively tackles wet rooms, mouldy clothes and damp floors - an environmentally friendly appliance with an auto-shutoff and low power usage. With an ultra-quiet operation, this won't keep you up. Plus it has a cute night light option, if you fancy. The visual water tank and indicator are handy, too.
Customers like the performance, quality and size. With an average of 4.3/5 star rating on Amazon UK, one customer commented that they loved how small and quiet it was to run - and they appreciated the colourful lights that changed
for a 'disco' feel. They find it handy that you can see the water in the glass tray, so you know when to empty it, whether tackling mould or drying clothes. Small and compact, this pick is perfect for smaller households needing easy mobility. That being said, opinions are mixed on water collection and noise.
Pros
- Ultra-quiet operation at <35dB, perfect for all living spaces
- Energy-efficient, using only 0.79 kWh per 24 hours
- Auto shut-off with a full-tank indicator and colourful night lights
Cons
- Opinions are mixed on water collection and noise
Dimensions | 13.7 x 13.8 x 25.5 cm |
Weight | 1.5 kg |
Capacity | 1.2 L / 50-220 sq ft |
Noise | Less than 35 dB |
- Upgraded powerful dehumidification with semiconductor refrigeration.
- Collects up to (400ml) of water per day with an ultra-quiet operation.
- Energy efficient - only 0.79kWh per 24 hours and auto-shut off.
- Visual water tank with a full-tank indicator and red light alert.
- Seven colourful night lights with steady-on and off modes.
- Portable and compact - with a handle for easy movement.
- Detachable and washable filter for easy maintenance and durability.
Best budget dehumidifier for easy use
An efficient solution for high humidity levels at home, the SHINCO 10/L Day Dehumidifier is a great pick for smaller spaces. Eliminating around 10L a day, with its high-power compressor, it is perfect for maintaining the desired humidity levels. Automatically adjusting to save energy, it is an efficient little appliance that will see you through bouts of unsightly mould and mildew. Not ideal. Thanks to its laundry room mode for a quick dry and Auto Defrost mode for effective use when you're at your chilliest, it's a versatile appliance with an easy-to-use LED display and functionality.
From over 1,900 reviews, customers love this SHINCO dehumidifier - for its value, performance, noise and how easy it is to move around. One customer calls it "neat in appearance" and adds that it works well, doing an "excellent job". Not only is said to be quiet to run, but the laundry mode is a bonus - especially when you're in a rush to get things to dry. Plus, it's easy to move from room to room. However, one customer says you have to be gentle when you need to move it around, especially when full. But, it's easy enough with a little care.
Pros
- Carry handle and 360° rotatable wheels for easy movement
- Multiple modes including automatic, drying, and silent
- Removes up to 10L of moisture a day - efficient and not bulky
Cons
- Be gentle when moving it around!
Dimensions | 25.6 x 20.3 x 41.5 cm |
Weight | 9.5 kg |
Capacity | 1.7 L Tray / Removes 10-16L per day |
Noise | 39 dB |
- Eliminates up to 10L of moisture per day; suitable for rooms up to 15㎡.
- Electronic humidistat for maintaining optimal humidity.
- 2 continuous drainage systems: removable 1.7L tray and drainage hose.
- Automatic mode with humidity settings from 30% to 80% in 5% increments.
- Laundry room mode for quicker drying of clothes.
- Auto defrost mode for effective operation at low temperatures (5°C).
- LED display with real-time humidity and time indication.
- 24-hour timer for scheduled operation.
- Detachable, washable plastic filter and activated carbon filter for air purification.
- Transparent water tank, 360° rotatable wheels and sturdy handle.
- Alarm and auto-stop feature when the tank is full - super handy!
- It uses natural R290 refrigerant and is eco-friendly with no greenhouse effect.
Best budget dehumidifier for low running cost
![Honeywell TPFIT 12L/Day Dehumidifier](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/08/Honeywell-TPFIT-12LDay-Dehumidifier.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Costing only 6p an hour to run, this Honeywell TPFIT 12L/Day Dehumidifier offers the lowest energy consumption with no cost to its moisture removal. Both eco-friendly and cost-effective, it's designed to extract up to 12 litres of moisture fairly - ensuring a comfy, dry living environment. Pair this with the little noise it makes and - it's perfect for any home setting, from flats to houses. With a laundry mode for efficient drying, it's a force to be reckoned with. What about reviews?
Amazon UK's reviews like this Honeywell pick, say it's a good investment and will save you money along the way. Customers like the efficiency, value, performance and portability - it's easy to carry and move around and does the job very well. However, some disagree on noise.
Pros
- Low power consumption, saving on energy costs
- Noise levels are low - perfect for any home setting
- Convenient laundry mode for efficient drying
Cons
- Some customers disagree on noise
Dimensions | 23.5 x 28 x 38.6 cm |
Weight | 10.3 kg |
Capacity | 2.5 L tank / 2-3 bedroom house or flat |
Noise | max. 38 dB |
- Energy Efficient means it only costs only 6p per hour (based on 29p/kWh).
- Low noise (34.5dB) with a carry handle and caster wheels for easy movement.
- Laundry mode is handy - with a one-click drying mode for cost-effective laundry.
- With a timer option (24 hours), you can schedule operations to suit your needs.
- Large 2.5L water tank with a full capacity system and continuous drainage.
- Adjustable humidity control means you can set your desired levels (30-90%).
- Digital display/user-friendly interface with a cleaning alert for the dust filter.
How we chose the best budget dehumidifier
We have spent a lot of time investigating the majority of budget dehumidifiers, between the variety in price points, variation of products and best value for money. You want to be sure that you're getting the best deal when it comes to a useful home appliance and we're here to make that decision a little easier. A budget dehumidifier is also a great way to help out your home - and support your health.
Is a dehumidifier worth it?
Perhaps, you're thinking: is a dehumidifier worth the hype? How does a dehumidifier help with mould?
Though moisture naturally builds in our homes from our daily activities such as breathing, sweating, cooking, drying clothes and showering, we need to ventilate and dehumidify our homes to prevent any long-lasting damage. When dampness and condensation are present in our homes, we usually see a damp, brown stain or condensation and black mould.
Not only is it an eyesore, but mould is a danger to our health.
However, all of this can be prevented and tackled by popping a dehumidifier in the affected area, says Josh at AO.com. He adds that the most common areas affected by condensation, dampness and mould are bathrooms, kitchens and basements.
Place it “centrally in an open space to allow for better air circulation,” suggests Josh, which can help the dehumidifier tackle multiple rooms at once. Or, consider placing your appliance by a door or hallway which can help to “permeate dry air throughout the house” much quicker.
How much does a dehumidifier cost to run?
This will depend on usage and local electricity rates, says Josh. However, he suggests the following to keep the costs down:
Close your doors and windows to reduce any humid air from outside from coming in.
Maintain your dehumidifier by cleaning it regularly, which will prolong its shelf life.
Look for energy-efficient models as they will be much cheaper to run than older models.
Piper Huxley is a Homes Product Writer for Closer, an all-rounder who will write on anything from décor to wellness. When not scouring the net for the best home bargains, Piper is listening to a musical soundtrack and tending to her houseplants.