Basements are especially prone to dampness, musty smells, and lingering humidity. While a portable dehumidifier won't solve serious leaks or water infiltration, the right model can make the space more comfortable and help protect furniture, stored belongings, and finished surfaces.
We've tested over 20 dehumidifiers, and below are our recommendations for the best dehumidifiers for basements. Here's a quick guide to what matters most using the results from our lab testing:
- Capacity: A 50-pint model is the better choice for large or consistently damp basements, since the added capacity means less frequent tank emptying. Small to medium spaces are usually well served by a 35-pint unit, while compact rooms, workshops, or storage areas typically only need a smaller model.
- Airflow: Higher fan speeds are useful for circulating air through large or open basements. In finished spaces where noise is a concern, lower settings are preferable. A unit with a wide range of fan speeds offers more flexibility, allowing you to adjust as conditions change throughout the year.
- Drainage: If a floor drain is nearby, a drain hose offers a simple, low-maintenance solution. Without one, a built-in pump is a practical alternative, since it can move water upward to a utility sink. If manual emptying is unavoidable, choose a model with a tank or bucket that's easy to grip and carry once full.
If you're interested in a more in-depth look at these factors and why they matter, see our full buyer's guide below. For a broader range of options across different room sizes and price points, check out our recommendations for the best dehumidifiers. If you're shopping specifically for a bedroom dehumidifier, our best bedroom dehumidifiers focus on quiet operation and low heat output for overnight use. Alternatively, if moisture isn't your only concern and you also want to improve air quality downstairs, check out our recommendations for the best basement air purifiers.
If you don't know where to start, deciding between dehumidifiers can put a damper on your day. Luckily, we've streamlined the process, buying and testing over 20 dehumidifiers from major retailers; no cherry-picked models. Our lab team then measures airflow, capacity, and more to ensure you have the data you need to make a buying decision. If you're still between models, you can compare them directly, side by side.
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Best Basement Dehumidifier
Basement8.0Capacity8.7Temperature Stability5.9Noise7.0See all our test resultsTested Dehumidification Capacity37.5 PPD (17.8 LPD)The best basement dehumidifier we've tested is the LG PuriCare Sonoran, especially if you're dealing with a large, unfinished basement and want a unit that removes moisture quickly without frequent maintenance. Its 50-pint capacity and strong airflow allow it to tackle damp, open spaces effectively, while its large water tank means you won't need to empty it very often. It also supports continuous drainage via its hose port, making it well-suited for extended operation in consistently humid conditions, provided you have access to a floor drain, since there's no pump to continuously drain into an industrial sink or another elevated basin. An integrated humidistat automatically cycles the compressor on and off to maintain your selected humidity level, so you won't need to constantly monitor or adjust the unit yourself. It also has Wi-Fi connectivity, so you won't need to trek up and down your stairs to change settings or monitor moisture levels in your basement.
Like most full-size dehumidifiers, it also produces a lot of heat with sustained operation, which can make smaller basements feel a little warmer during the summer months. It's also quite bulky and can take up a lot of room if your basement is already somewhat cluttered. It's worth noting, however, that it's a fairly quiet dehumidifier, especially for a full-sized unit. This makes it a suitable choice if you use your basement as an entertainment space.
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Best Mid-Range Basement Dehumidifier
Basement8.5Capacity8.5Temperature Stability6.2Noise5.6See all our test resultsTested Dehumidification Capacity31.7 PPD (15.0 LPD)If you'd like to spend less on a basement dehumidifier, the best mid-range model we've tested is the Midea MAD50PS1AWT-C. Like the pricier LG PuriCare Sonoran, it's a 50-pint unit with similar real-world dehumidification capacity, making it a good option for most basements with humidity issues. It runs efficiently, too, and won't incur a massive impact on your utility bill in more humid months. While this Midea unit has a considerably smaller footprint than the LG, it also runs noticeably louder and can be an active disturbance if you use it in a finished basement configured as a TV room or entertainment space. Like the LG, it also puts out a lot of heat. As a result, it's better suited to unfinished basements, storage areas, or laundry rooms where moisture removal is the priority, not quiet, comfortable running.
While its relatively compact size also limits the capacity of its water tank, it offers other drainage options that make it a very good option for continuous operation. There's a port so you can connect a hose and rely on gravity drainage, as well as an integrated pump so it can pour upward to a utility sink, which is a feature the more expensive LG lacks. Lastly, it's important to note that this unit is mainly sold at Costco and requires a membership to buy.
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Best Budget Basement Dehumidifier
Basement7.1Capacity6.5Temperature Stability6.2Noise6.6See all our test resultsTested Dehumidification Capacity11.0 PPD (5.2 LPD)The Midea MAD20S1QWT is a good option if you want to save some money and only need the capacity for a smaller or partial basement. Its 20-pint capacity suits spaces like a finished basement rec room, a basement bedroom, or a laundry area with moderate humidity. That said, compared to a 50-pint model like the Midea MAD50PS1AWT-C, it removes moisture much more slowly, so it isn't suited for a large basement that feels persistently damp. On the upside, it provides a pretty hands-off user experience: its large water tank fills slowly, so you can let it run for longer stretches without constantly needing to empty it. That's good, as the large capacity of the tank can make it difficult to pour out once it's filled. If you'd rather avoid that process entirely, you can also connect a hose to its drain port for continuous operation. Unlike the pricier MAD50PS1AWT-C, there's no built-in drain pump, so you're limited to floor drains. That said, it has a built-in humidistat that can cycle the unit on and off to maintain your target humidity.
There's Wi-Fi connectivity too, which is handy since you can monitor your humidity levels without venturing downstairs. Its collapsible, cube-style design makes it easier to store during drier months. That said, this is still a somewhat bulky machine when fully deployed, despite its relatively modest capacity, which can make it a challenge to fit in more cluttered or tighter basements.
Notable Mentions
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ProBreeze PB-03:
The ProBreeze PB-03 is a compact dehumidifier, intended for use in very small spaces. It can be an option if you need to pull a bit of moisture out of an unfinished basement closet and the like, but it offers far less capacity than the Midea MAD20S1QWT.
See our review -
Levoit Smart Dehumidifier:
The Levoit Smart Dehumidifier is a 25-pint dehumidifier that provides greater real-world dehumidification capacity than the Midea MAD20S1QWT, along with a smaller overall footprint, quieter operation, and a removable, washable drain pump. That said, it's often sold at a much higher price, where it competes with more capable 50-pint models.
See our review -
Midea MAD50PS1QWT:
The Midea MAD50PS1QWT is a 50-pint dehumidifier with a larger water tank than the LG PuriCare Sonoran, along with an integrated drain pump. That said, it also runs much louder and produces more heat. Moreover, availability is also rather limited.
See our review
Recent Updates
Nov 02, 2026:
We replaced the Frigidaire FFAP5034W1 with the LG PuriCare Sonoran as the 'Best Basement Dehumidifier' pick and the Frigidaire FFAD3533W1 with the Midea MAD50PS1AWT-C as the 'Best Mid-Range Basement Dehumidifier' pick due to current availability. We also added the Levoit Smart Dehumidifier and Midea MAD50PS1QWT to the Notable Mentions section of the article.
Sep 30, 2026:
We updated our recommendations to reflect current availability, replacing the Waykar PD160B with the Midea MAD20S1QWT and adding a link to a newer Frigidaire model as an alternative to the FFAP5034W1.
Aug 25, 2026:
We ensured all picks are up to date and remain the best options we've tested.
Jul 31, 2026:
We added the Midea MAD50PS1AWT-C as our new Mid-Range pick and moved the Midea MAD35S1QWT to the Upper Mid-Range category. We also added a buyer's guide with tips for choosing a basement dehumidifier and updated the introduction with a brief overview of the most important features to look for.
Jun 26, 2026:
We replaced the GE APYR50LC with the Frigidaire FFAP5034W1 as our top basement dehumidifier pick due to limited availability. The Frigidaire offers similarly strong moisture removal performance and remains an excellent choice for medium to large basements.
What To Consider When Choosing A Basement Dehumidifier
Basements hold onto moisture more than other parts of the house, which is why picking the right dehumidifier depends on more than just square footage. You'll want to factor in how damp the space actually gets, how often you expect the unit to run, where the water will drain to, and whether you're dealing with a finished basement or more of a storage area.
Dehumidification Capacity
The size and condition of your basement should guide which capacity you choose. Larger basements, or ones that stay consistently damp, generally call for a more powerful unit. A smaller, finished room, on the other hand, is often better served by something less aggressive that won't overdo it.
Assuming a starting relative humidity level of approximately 60%:
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50-pint
- These are best suited for large basements, open layouts, and spaces with persistent humidity problems. These models are generally appropriate for areas up to about 1,200 ft² (111.5 m²).
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35-pint
- This size is a practical option for small and medium-sized basements with moderate moisture levels. These units are typically suitable for spaces up to roughly 800 ft² (74.3 m²).
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20-pint
- This dehumidifier size is better for compact basement rooms, storage areas, or workshops that only need occasional humidity control. They generally work best in spaces up to around 400 ft² (37.1 m²).
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10-pint and below
- These smaller units are mainly intended for closets, utility rooms, or other confined basement areas rather than an entire floor. They're usually best for spaces under 300 ft² (27.9 m²).
Air Circulation and Fan Settings
Basements often have open layouts, divided rooms, or corners where damp air tends to linger, so good air circulation matters. A stronger top fan speed helps push dry air across a larger space, while a lower setting comes in handy if the basement doubles as a family room, bedroom, or workspace.
A broad range between the lowest and highest fan settings tends to matter more than raw top-end power. Airflow that's too fast can move air through the unit before enough moisture has a chance to condense on the coils, so a well-balanced fan system often performs more efficiently than one built purely for speed.
Drainage Options and Bucket Design
A basement dehumidifier can collect a lot of water, especially during humid weather, so it's worth planning how you'll dispose of it before choosing a model. If your basement has a nearby floor drain, a gravity-fed hose can let the machine run continuously with very little maintenance.
A built-in pump is more useful when the nearest drainage point is a utility sink or another elevated outlet. It can move water upward instead of relying on gravity, which lets the dehumidifier run continuously without requiring you to empty the tank yourself. If there isn't a convenient drain nearby and you'll be hauling water upstairs, an easier-to-carry bucket with features like a raised lip or comfortable handle will quickly become something you'll appreciate.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are some of the top basement dehumidifiers for most people. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability.
That said, no single best option will suit everybody; your needs will depend on your budget, the size of your basement, your tolerance for operating noise, and whether you like having a device with convenience features like Wi-Fi connectivity or a drain pump. If you'd like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our dehumidifier reviews.