Best Budget-Friendly Dehumidifier with Pump: homeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier

When it comes to a large basement (2000 to 4500 square feet), we tested several humidifiers robust enough to tackle the job. The only problem? Many large-capacity dehumidifiers can get very pricey.

But there is good news: one large-capacity dehumidifier combined both performance and value: homeLabs HME020031N. This 1.8 gallon dehumidifier removes 50 pints of water from the air per day and did extremely well in our tests, lowering the humidity to comfortable levels in a short period of time. Here’s more on why we recommend this model:

What We Liked

• Easy to set up.

• Drain hose hook up for a 5/8″ garden hose (hose not included). 

• Quiet. 

• Visible water tank level indicator at front of unit.

• Turbo mode worked fast, but was definitely louder. 

• Continuous mode, timer and fan speed control. In our tests, these were easy to use. Continuous mode may be needed for several days if you are dehumidifying a space for the first time in a season.

• Remembers settings after a power failure. 

What Needs Work

• If you aren’t using the pump and a drain hose, you may have to empty it more than once day, especially if the humidity in the basement is high.

• Filter must be changed once a month. But this is the case with other units we tested.

• Hose draining hit or miss. We didn’t have a problem with this, but we see reports indicating some units still drained into the tank even with a drain hose hook-up.

Quietest Dehumidifier With Pump: TOSOT 1500 Sq. Ft. 30 Pint Dehumidifier

We know noise level is an important factor for some folks when picking a basement dehumidifier—especially if you are watching TV or have a bedroom nearby. So we used a decibel meter to test a dozen different models, on various speeds. The quietest model we found is TOSOT’s 1500 square foot unit (model GDN30AZ-A3EBA2C). 

Now, let’s talk about noise level. 60 decibels is roughly the level of a normal conversation. This humidifier measured in the 48 to 53 decibel level (depending on the fan speed).

So to be clear: when running, this dehumidifier still makes noise. We haven’t yet found a model that is completely silent AND has the power to dehumidifier a basement. But when compared to other models that max out at 70 decibels, the TOSOT dehumidifier was much quieter by comparison.

What We Liked

• Alarm to indicate full tank.

• Affordable.

• Easy to use, all digital touch panel.

• Power outage settings retained.

• Water level indicated on front of tank.

• Indicator lights for filter cleaning. The maker says you have to clean the filter after 250 hours of use—or roughly, every 11 days.

• Hose outlet to drain into sink or floor drain.

• QUIET!

What’s Needs Work

• Long term reliability could be better. We notice some reports that these units run for a year or 18 months and then quit. That’s disappointing, as other models we tested have longer life spans.

• Alarm is very loud. We like the alarm feature, but it is VERY LOUD . . . especially when it goes off in the middle of the night!

• Hard to connect hose outlet. The hose outlet is recessed inside the unit, making connecting a drain hose more difficult than other models we tested.

Most Energy Efficient: Frigidaire High Efficiency 50-Pint White Dehumidifier with Built-in Pump

If you live an humid area that requires your dehumidifier to work non-stop, finding a good quality model that doesn’t send your electric bill sky high is a nice plus. After trying out several models and looking at energy use data, we pick Frigidaire’s 50 pint model as the best bet. Here’s more

What We Liked

• Very energy efficient. We used one of those electricity usage meters on dehumidifiers we tested and this one used the least amount of electricity compared to others.

• Excellent performance. This dehumidifier impressed us in our tests, lowering the humidity in a very dank basement to a comfortable 48% after running for about 7 hours. Then it kept the temperature at that level even when it was foggy outside.

• Nice design touches. We liked the cord hooks and hide-away handle for this model. And notice the filter is located on the outer part of the machine—that makes it easier to remove and clean.

• Easy to hook up the drain hose—the push-in connector automatically seals and locks.

• Quiet. We measure this unit at 51 decibels.

What Needs Work

• Green plastic drain hose cover is no fun. Even though the directions are stickers on the unit, we still found it tricky to move the plastic drain hole cover. You have to push back on a grey ring to remove the plug . . . which wasn’t easy.

Easiest Set Up: Honeywell TP70PWK 70 Pint with Built-In Pump Dehumidifier for Basement & Large Room Up to 4000 Sq Ft. with Anti-Spill Design

We found Honeywell’s TP70PWK dehumidifier was among the easiest models to set up. If you are buying this unit for a relative’s house and they don’t appreciate complex appliances, this is the model for you. Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Excellent performance. This humidifier reduced humidity below 50% in our tests in a large basement.

• Built-in wheels. And the built-in handle that stores away is nicely designed.

• Easy to understand controls.

• Nice simple design.

• Includes 15 foot drain hose.

• Easy to clean filter.

• Cord hooks to wrap power cord. 

• Works down to 41 degrees. 

What Needs Work

• Louder than others. This model registered about 58 decibels when running in high mode. That’s about 10 more decibels than the quietest model we found (see above).

• Pricey.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing gear for families and homes, including dehumidifiers, since 1994. We do hands-on testing—we buy the products with our own money and evaluate with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Baby Bargains is your independent and unbiased source for expert baby gear reviews.