6 Best Portable Dehumidifiers of 2026
We compared six portable compressor dehumidifiers on capacity, coverage, drainage and ease of use.
By Daniel Brooks
Updated October 24, 2026
A portable dehumidifier rolls to wherever the damp is, from the basement in spring to the bedroom in August. Our list of the best portable dehumidifiers compares six wheeled compressor models from Hisense, Midea, BLACK+DECKER, Keystone, Whirlpool and Bosch on capacity, coverage, drainage and ease of use. To browse every model we cover, visit our Portable Compressor Dehumidifiers page.
Brands rate capacity under different test conditions, so we note the conditions behind each figure and weighed realistic ratings above hot-weather maximums.
All Products Compared
| Product | Best For | Capacity | Coverage | Tank | Drainage | Smart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hisense 50 Pint Portable Dehumidifier | Overall | 50 pints/day | Up to 4,500 sq ft | Bucket | Bucket, continuous | No |
| Midea 50 Pint Dehumidifier | Smart value | 50 pints/day | Up to 4,500 sq ft | Standard bucket | Bucket, hose outlet | Wi-Fi, Alexa, Google |
| BLACK+DECKER 36.39-Pint Portable Dehumidifier | Clear ratings | 36.39 pints/day | 3,000 sq ft (2012 DOE) | 10.56-pint bucket | Bucket, 3.2 ft hose | No |
| Keystone 35 Pint Dehumidifier | Mid-size | 35 pints/day | Up to 3,000 sq ft | Bucket | Bucket, garden hose | No |
| Whirlpool 50 Pint Dehumidifier | Quiet 50 pint | 50 pints/day | Whole home | Front bucket | Bucket, hose | No |
| Bosch Dry 4000 35 Pint Dehumidifier | Large tank | 35 pints/day | Up to 3,000 sq ft | 1.45 gallons | Tank, hose | No |
| Award | Product | WikiCooling Score About WikiCooling ScoreThe WikiCooling Score is our own rating from 0 to 10, based on the criteria described on our How We Review page. It reflects research, not laboratory measurement, and is never influenced by manufacturers, retailers, or affiliate commissions. Learn more › | |
|---|---|---|---|
Hisense 50 Pint Portable Dehumidifier
|
Buy | ||
| Best Overall |
Midea 50-Pint ENERGY STAR Dehumidifier
|
Buy | |
| Best Budget |
BLACK+DECKER 36.39-Pint Portable Dehumidifier
|
Buy | |
| Best Value |
Keystone 35 Pint Dehumidifier
|
Buy | |
| Best Premium |
Whirlpool 50 Pint Dehumidifier
|
Buy | |
Bosch Dry 4000 35 Pint Dehumidifier
|
Buy |
Top 3 Portable Dehumidifiers Reviewed
#1 Hisense 50 Pint Portable Dehumidifier: Best Overall
Why We Picked It
Hisense’s 50-pint is our top portable pick because it handles the widest range of spaces. It covers up to 4,500 sq ft, works in rooms as cool as 38 degrees F, which suits basements and crawl spaces, and offers Auto, Continuous and Manual modes with an automatic fan. It is ENERGY STAR certified.
Hisense’s 50-pint covers up to 4,500 sq ft and offers three modes, Auto, Continuous and Manual, plus High, Low and Auto fan speeds. It runs in rooms as cool as 38 degrees F, which suits basements and crawl spaces, and a bucket-full indicator prevents overflow. It is ENERGY STAR certified.
Key Specifications
- Capacity: 50 pints per day
- Coverage: Up to 4,500 sq ft
- Modes: Auto, Continuous, Manual
- Fan Speeds: High, Low, Auto
- Low Temperature: Down to 38 degrees F
- Certification: ENERGY STAR
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Things to Consider
For hands-free draining up to a sink, the Hisense 50-pint Lift-Up model adds a built-in pump.
Best For
This dehumidifier is best for basements and large rooms, including cool ones.
Check the current price and availability of the Hisense 50 Pint Portable Dehumidifier on Amazon.
#2 Midea 50 Pint Dehumidifier: Best Smart Portable Dehumidifier
Why We Picked It
Midea’s 50-pint is the smart pick. It covers up to 4,500 sq ft, runs at a listed 49 dBA on low, and Wi-Fi lets you check and change it from your phone or by voice.
Midea’s standard 50-pint is a straightforward basement dehumidifier. It removes up to 50 pints of moisture a day, covers up to 4,500 sq ft and holds humidity anywhere from 35% to 85%. Midea lists 49 dBA on low, the unit is Wi-Fi enabled for app and voice control, and it rolls on 360 degree wheels. Connect a standard hose to the built-in socket for continuous draining; the hose is not included.
Key Specifications
- Capacity: 50 pints per day
- Coverage: Up to 4,500 sq ft
- Humidity Range: 35% to 85%
- Noise Level: 49 dBA on low
- Smart Control: Wi-Fi, Alexa, Google
- Certification: ENERGY STAR
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Things to Consider
The drain hose is not included, so buy a standard garden hose if you plan to drain it continuously.
Best For
This dehumidifier is best for anyone who wants app control without paying for a premium model.
Check the current price and availability of the Midea 50 Pint Dehumidifier on Amazon.
#3 BLACK+DECKER 36.39-Pint Portable Dehumidifier: Best Mid-Size Portable Dehumidifier
Why We Picked It
BLACK+DECKER’s 36-pint is the mid-size pick. It extracts up to 36.39 pints a day, includes a drain hose and a 10.56-pint bucket, and lists coverage under both the 2012 and 2019 DOE tests, which makes sizing honest.
BLACK+DECKER’s BDM36WCDA extracts up to 36.39 pints a day and lists coverage of 3000 sq. ft under the 2012 DOE test and 370 sq. ft under the 2019 test. It has a detachable 10.56-pint bucket, a 3.2 ft drain hose, a top-mounted control panel with adjustable humidistat and LED display, and overflow shutoff with an audible alert. It is ENERGY STAR 6.0 and UL certified.
Key Specifications
- Capacity: 36.39 pints per day
- Coverage: 3,000 sq ft (2012 DOE), 370 sq ft (2019 DOE)
- Bucket: 10.56 pints
- Drain Hose: 3.2 ft included
- Certification: ENERGY STAR 6.0, UL
- Weight: About 33.7 pounds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Things to Consider
As with BLACK+DECKER’s smaller model, use the 2019 coverage figure when sizing for a very damp space.
Best For
This dehumidifier is best for bedrooms, living areas and small basements.
Check the current price and availability of the BLACK+DECKER 36.39-Pint Portable Dehumidifier on Amazon.
Other Models Worth Considering
Keystone 35 Pint Dehumidifier. Keystone’s 35-pint covers up to 3,000 sq ft with auto defrost and ENERGY STAR certification.
Whirlpool 50 Pint Dehumidifier. Whirlpool’s 50-pint is ENERGY STAR certified with a color-coded humidity display and a rated 45 dBA.
Bosch Dry 4000 35 Pint Dehumidifier. Bosch’s Dry 4000 has a 1.45 gallon tank with a window, Night mode and coverage up to 3,000 sq ft.
What to Expect from Portable Dehumidifiers
A portable compressor dehumidifier works like a small refrigerator: a fan draws damp air over cold coils, water condenses and drips into a bucket or out through a hose, and the dried air passes back into the room. It suits bedrooms, bathrooms, basements and laundry rooms, and most units have a humidistat that holds the humidity at a level you set.
Compressor models remove far more water than small thermoelectric units, but they are heavier, hum while they run and lose capacity in cold rooms. Expect to empty the bucket regularly unless you use a drain hose or a built-in pump.
For more options, see our guides to dehumidifiers and 50-pint dehumidifiers. The product cards show the current price for each dehumidifier.
How to Choose a Portable Dehumidifier
Match Capacity to the Space
Small units suit a bedroom, bathroom or closet. Mid-size units handle a damp bedroom, a living room or a small basement. Large units are for full basements, laundry rooms and spaces that smell musty or show condensation. When in doubt, a slightly larger unit running on low is quieter and more efficient than a small one running flat out.
Think About Weight and Wheels
Large dehumidifiers weigh 40 pounds or more. Wheels and top handles make moving them easier, and a front-loading bucket with its own handle makes emptying less messy.
Plan the Drainage
Every unit here has a bucket that shuts the dehumidifier off when it is full. For a damp basement, continuous drainage saves daily emptying: a gravity hose works when a floor drain sits lower than the unit, and a built-in pump pushes water up to a sink or out of a window when it does not.
Check Low-Temperature Performance
Compressor dehumidifiers lose capacity in cool rooms, and their coils can frost. For an unheated basement or garage, look for auto defrost and a stated minimum operating temperature.
How We Evaluate Portable Dehumidifiers
We rank dehumidifiers on manufacturer specifications and listing details: rated capacity and the test conditions behind it, coverage, drainage options, efficiency, controls and noise. For this list we kept only new, in-stock compressor units and left out renewed listings, thermoelectric mini units, commercial crawl space models and listings with too little data. We weighed capacity, coverage and portability first, then drainage, controls and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are portable dehumidifiers effective?
Yes. A compressor unit sized for the space removes far more moisture than small thermoelectric models.
Can I move a dehumidifier between rooms?
Yes. Empty the bucket first and keep it upright. If it has been tipped, let it stand before switching it on.
How often should I empty the bucket?
In damp weather, often daily. A drain hose removes the chore.
Can a portable dehumidifier work in a cold basement?
Look for auto defrost and a low operating temperature, such as the Hisense units that run down to 38 degrees F.
For a closer look at individual models, read our full Whirlpool 50 Pint Dehumidifier review.
Final Verdict
The Hisense 50 Pint Portable Dehumidifier is the best portable dehumidifier for most homes, covering up to 4,500 sq ft and working down to 38 degrees F. For app control, choose the Midea 50 Pint Dehumidifier. For mid-size rooms, the BLACK+DECKER 36.39-Pint Portable Dehumidifier includes a drain hose and lists honest coverage figures.
About the author
Daniel Brooks is a home cooling editor at WikiCooling, covering window, portable, through-the-wall and mini-split air conditioners, fans, and dehumidifiers. He researches cooling capacity, energy efficiency, noise levels, installation requirements, and buyer feedback to help homeowners choose the right unit for their room size, climate, and budget.