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. Also, for more options, check out our recommendations for the best dehumidifiers, the best small dehumidifiers, and the best dehumidifiers for bedrooms. Alternatively, if you want to improve air quality in your basement, 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 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
Basement8.6Capacity8.5Temperature Stability5.9Noise6.2See all our test resultsTested Dehumidification Capacity31.0 PPD (14.7 LPD)The best basement dehumidifier that we've tested is the Frigidaire FFAP5034W1, especially if you're dealing with a medium to large basement and want a unit that can remove moisture quickly without requiring frequent maintenance. Its 50-pint capacity and strong airflow allow it to tackle damp, open spaces effectively, while its large 2.1-gal (8.0 L) water tank means you won't need to empty it very often. It also supports continuous drainage with an optional drain hose, making it well-suited for extended operation in consistently humid conditions. 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.
That said, there are a few trade-offs. Unlike some competing 50-pint models, it doesn't include a built-in drain pump, so continuous drainage is only possible if you can route a hose to a nearby floor drain or another lower drainage point. It's also somewhat noisy, with fan noise that's noticeable enough to be distracting if you're spending time in the same room. Like most refrigerant dehumidifiers, it also exhausts warm air while operating, which can make an already humid basement feel a little warmer during the summer months. As a result, it's better suited to unfinished basements, storage areas, or laundry rooms where moisture removal is the priority and noise is less of a concern.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Basement Dehumidifier
Basement7.6Capacity7.2Temperature Stability7.0Noise6.6See all our test resultsTested Dehumidification Capacity21.0 PPD (9.9 LPD)The Midea MAD35S1QWT is a good choice for people with smaller or medium-sized basements that don't need the high moisture-removal capacity of the GE APYR50LC or don't have the space for its larger footprint. While it can't pull moisture from the air as aggressively as the GE, it's noticeably easier to live with day to day. It runs quieter, releases less heat during operation, and includes Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to monitor humidity levels or adjust settings remotely through the MSmartHome app. It also supports voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices, which is convenient if you already use smart home devices throughout your house. Just note that you'll need reliable Wi-Fi coverage in your basement if you plan on using these remote features regularly.
That said, there are a few trade-offs. This dehumidifier only has two fan speeds, so it isn't quite as flexible in changing humidity conditions as some alternatives. Its collapsible design helps save storage space when the unit isn't being used, but it's still fairly bulky once fully assembled, especially compared to other 35-pint models. Its large 4.2 gal (16.0 L) bucket also becomes pretty heavy when full, which can make manual emptying awkward if you have mobility issues. While it supports continuous drainage using an included hose, it lacks a built-in pump, so you'll need to position the unit near a floor drain or elevate it if you want water to drain into a sink. Unfortunately, finding this model new can also be somewhat difficult, though it's still available through retailers like Home Depot and other vendors listed on Midea's website.
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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 need serious moisture-removal power for a damp basement but don't want to pay Frigidaire FFAP5034W1 prices, the Midea MAD50PS1AWT-C is worth a look. Both 50-pint units handle medium- to large-sized basements well, and both include a built-in drain pump for continuous drainage to an elevated sink, so you're not stuck relying on gravity. The Midea also has a side-mounted bucket for anyone who'd rather skip the pump and drain manually; it slides in and out smoothly and has a raised lip that keeps water from sloshing out as you carry it. For remote control, the MSmartHome app lets you check humidity levels and adjust settings without walking downstairs to check on it yourself. It's also a notable step up from the Midea MAD35S1QWT: moisture removal is much faster, making it the better fit if your basement is large or stays consistently damp.
On the downside, this isn't the most comfortable unit to share a space with. It can drown out conversations or the TV if your basement doubles as a den or playroom. It also runs warm, like most 50-pint dehumidifiers, so it does better in an unfinished basement, storage room, or laundry area than a finished living space. Despite being shorter and shallower than the Frigidaire, it's still a bulky enough unit and isn't easy to tuck away. You can purchase this unit from Costco's website.
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Best Budget Basement Dehumidifier
Basement6.9Capacity6.1Temperature Stability8.0Noise7.9See all our test resultsTested Dehumidification Capacity6.0 PPD (2.8 LPD)For finished basements used as bedrooms or family rooms, the budget-friendly Waykar PD160B is a strong pick when noise and comfort matter as much as moisture removal. Its compact size makes it easier to tuck into tighter areas than bulkier 50-pint models, and it runs quietly enough that it won't constantly compete with conversations or TV audio while operating in your family den. It also generates very little heat, which makes it noticeably more comfortable to live with in finished spaces where larger dehumidifiers can quickly make the room feel stuffy or overly warm. While its smaller 8.5-pint capacity means it isn't the best choice for large or especially damp basements, it's more than capable of keeping humidity under control in smaller areas.
The Waykar also offers a fairly hands-off user experience for a budget-friendly unit. You can set a target humidity level and let the dehumidifier automatically adjust its fan speed as conditions change, so you don't need to constantly tweak settings throughout the day. It doesn't include a built-in pump like the Midea MAD50PS1AWT-C for draining water into an elevated sink or distant drain, but it does support continuous drainage using the included hose if you have access to a nearby floor drain. Unfortunately, the display is dim and hard to read from an angle, so if the unit sits on the floor or a low shelf, you'll find yourself crouching down every time you want to check the settings. There's also no companion app, meaning you can't check humidity levels, schedule run times, or adjust fan speed without walking over to the unit.
Notable Mentions
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GE ADHL35LA:
The GE ADHL35LA is a 35-pint dehumidifier. It's smaller than the Midea MAD35S1QWT and will have a slightly lesser impact on a room's ambient temperature. Its water tank doesn't hold nearly as much water, but it's much easier to empty than the Midea's bucket. The Midea runs quieter, has a built-in drain pump, and features Wi-Fi connectivity.
See our review -
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 even a relatively small full-room unit like the Waykar PD160B.
See our review
Recent Updates
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.
May 28, 2026:
We verified availability across all picks and updated the recommendation boxes with clearer usages and everyday context.
Apr 27, 2026:
We removed the Whirlpool WHAD50PCW from the Notable Mentions due to current availability. We also made minor text adjustments to clarify product details.
Mar 27, 2026:
We replaced the Midea MAD50PS1WS with the GE APYR50LC as the 'Best Dehumidifier For Basements' pick due to current availability. We removed the ProBreeze PB-03 from the main recommendations and added it to the Notable Mentions.
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
- Best suited to 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
- 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
- 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.