Whether you want a top rated dehumidifier for basement use, a large dehumidifier for basement spaces over 1,500 sq ft, or just a good dehumidifier for basement odors, the decision comes down to size, drainage and temperature. This guide covers every option, from a portable dehumidifier for basement corners to permanently installed units.
Basements are the hardest room in the house to keep dry. They sit against cool, damp soil, they get little sun, and in summer the warm outdoor air that leaks in hits cool walls and floors and gives up its moisture. That is why a dehumidifier for basement use needs three things a bedroom unit does not: more capacity, a way to drain without you, and the ability to keep working when the air is on the cool side.
Below are our picks, then a sizing chart for your basement's square footage and dampness, and answers to the questions people ask most, like whether a basement dehumidifier should run all the time. Our best rated dehumidifier for basement use overall is the Midea Cube 50, but the top dehumidifier for basement spaces depends on your drain, and the best home dehumidifier for basement family rooms is a quieter model. Each pick links to its Amazon dehumidifier for basement listing (paid link) so you can compare current prices.
Best basement dehumidifiers compared
| Pick | Capacity | Coverage | Pump | Noise | ENERGY STAR | Price tier | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall Midea Cube 50 (pump) | 50 pints/day (DOE) | Up to 4,500 sq ft (maker claim) | Yes | Maker: as low as 42 dB(A). RTINGS measured 54.3 dBA (low fan) to 56.2 dBA (high fan) | Yes | $$$ | Check price |
| Best with floor drain Midea Cube 50 (no pump) | 50 pints/day (DOE) | Up to 4,500 sq ft (Amazon listing) | No | Not published for this SKU (RTINGS measured the pump version at 54 to 56 dBA) | Yes | $$$ | Check price |
| Most energy efficient Frigidaire 50 (pump) | 50 pints/day (DOE) | Not stated | Yes | Not published | Yes | $$$ | Check price |
| Best 3-speed pump model Hisense 50 Lift-Up (pump) | 50 pints/day (DOE) | Not stated | Yes | Not published | Yes | $$$ | Check price |
| Best for finished basements Hisense 50 (pump) | 50 pints/day (DOE) | 1,000 to 1,500 sq ft (sources differ) | Yes | 47 to 50 dB (published spec table) | Not stated | $$$ | Check price |
| Best permanent unit Santa Fe Compact70 | 70 pints/day (AHAM 80F) | Crawl spaces about 1,800 to 2,600 sq ft (maker data sheet) | No | Not published | Not stated | $$$$$ | Check price |
| Best for large basement AlorAir HDi90 | 90 pints/day (AHAM 80F) | Up to 2,600 sq ft (maker claim) | Yes | Max 58 dB (Sylvane listing) | Not stated | $$$$$ | Check price |
| Best for cool basements AlorAir HDi65S | 55 pints/day (AHAM 80F) | Up to 1,300 sq ft (maker claim) | Yes | Max 52 dB (Sylvane listing) | Not stated | $$$$$ | Check price |
| Best cheap Hisense 25 | 25 pints/day (DOE) | 700 to 1,500 sq ft (sources differ) | No | Not published | Not stated | $$ | Check price |
Best dehumidifier for basement overall
Midea Cube 50 Pint Smart Dehumidifier with Pump
Best for: most unfinished and partly finished basements.
For most basements the Midea Cube 50 is the one to beat. It is a 50 pint unit with a built-in pump rated up to 16.4 feet of lift by Midea, so it can push water up to a laundry sink or out a basement window. If you do not use the pump, its expandable bucket holds about three times what a standard bucket does. Midea's 4,500 sq ft rating is generous, but in a typical 1,000 to 1,500 sq ft basement it has capacity to spare.
Heads up: Midea sells several SKUs (MAD50PS1QWT, gray MAD50PS1QGR, MAD50S1QWT without pump). Check the exact model number.
| Model number | MAD50PS1QWT |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (portable) |
| Capacity (current DOE test, 65F) | 50 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 4,500 sq ft (maker claim) |
| Built-in pump | Yes |
| Wi-Fi / app | Yes |
| ENERGY STAR | Yes |
| Noise | Maker: as low as 42 dB(A). RTINGS measured 54.3 dBA (low fan) to 56.2 dBA (high fan) |
| Bucket / capacity | Expandable bucket; listed as 3x more water capacity than a standard bucket |
| Humidity setting range | 35% to 85% |
| Rated power input | 480 W (Canadian MAD50PS1QGRC spec sheet) |
| Drain options | Bucket, gravity hose, or built-in pump that lifts water to a sink or window |
| Pump lift | Up to 16.4 ft vertical per Midea's spec sheet (a Midea support answer on Home Depot says 14 ft) |
| ENERGY STAR test data | 49.67 pints/day, IEF 2.01 L/kWh, about 515 kWh/yr (record for MAD50PS1QWT-A) |
| Price tier | Mid (about $200 to $400) |
Pros
- Pump, gravity drain and big bucket
- 50 pints/day on the current DOE test
- ENERGY STAR
- App alerts
Cons
- Louder than Midea claims (RTINGS measured 54 to 56 dBA)
- Make sure you buy the pump SKU
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Midea US product page (MAD50PS1QGR, 4,500 sq ft, pump); Midea Canada spec sheet MAD50PS1QGRC; Home Depot listing (42 dB(A), ENERGY STAR, 3X water capacity); RTINGS review MAD50PS1QWT (measured noise, efficiency); ENERGY STAR certified product record (MAD50PS1QWT-A).
Best 70 pint dehumidifier for basement
Midea Cube 50 Pint Smart Dehumidifier (no pump)
Best for: basements with a floor drain.
Shoppers searching for a 70 pint dehumidifier for basement use are usually looking for what is now labeled 50 pints, because the DOE test changed in 2019. Honeywell's long-running TP70WKN, for example, was sold as "50 pint (70 pint pre-2019)" for exactly this reason. For a basement with a floor drain, our pick in this class is the no-pump Midea Cube 50 (MAD50S1QWT): ENERGY STAR certified at 49.67 pints a day and 2.01 L/kWh, listed for up to 4,500 sq ft, with Wi-Fi and the Cube's extra large expanding bucket. Run a hose to a floor drain and it will keep going without attention.
| Model number | MAD50S1QWT |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (portable) |
| Capacity (current DOE test, 65F) | 50 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 4,500 sq ft (Amazon listing) |
| Built-in pump | No |
| Wi-Fi / app | Yes |
| ENERGY STAR | Yes |
| Noise | Not published for this SKU (RTINGS measured the pump version at 54 to 56 dBA) |
| Bucket / capacity | Expandable large-capacity bucket (same Cube design as the pump version) |
| Drain | Bucket or gravity drain hose (no pump) |
| App | Wi-Fi, works with Alexa (Amazon listing) |
| ENERGY STAR test data | 49.67 pints/day, IEF 2.01 L/kWh, about 515 kWh/yr (record for MAD50S1QWT-A) |
| Price tier | Mid (about $200 to $400) |
Pros
- Current ENERGY STAR certification
- Gravity drain or extra large bucket
- Wi-Fi
Cons
- No pump on this SKU
- Noise not published for this SKU
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Amazon listing B0GL7B1FC8 (model MAD50S1QWT); Midea US store page MAD50S1QWT; ENERGY STAR certified product record (MAD50S1QWT-A).
Best energy efficient dehumidifier for basement
Frigidaire 50 Pint Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump and Wi-Fi
Best for: basements that need drying most of the year.
A basement dehumidifier can run for months at a time, so efficiency is worth paying attention to. The Frigidaire FHDP5033Y1's ENERGY STAR record shows 49.95 pints a day at 2.01 liters per kWh, and it has a built-in pump and Wi-Fi. If you want to estimate running cost, the record's numbers let you do it properly (see our energy efficient dehumidifier guide).
Heads up: Canadian version is FHDP5033W1.
| Model number | FHDP5033Y1 |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (portable) |
| Capacity (current DOE test, 65F) | 50 pints/day |
| Coverage | Not stated by maker |
| Built-in pump | Yes |
| Wi-Fi / app | Yes |
| ENERGY STAR | Yes |
| Noise | Not published |
| ENERGY STAR test result | 49.95 pints/day, integrated energy factor 2.01 L/kWh |
| Fan speeds | 2 |
| ENERGY STAR test data | 49.95 pints/day, IEF 2.01 L/kWh, about 520 kWh/yr (record for FHDP5033Y1) |
| Price tier | Mid (about $200 to $400) |
Pros
- Current ENERGY STAR certification
- Built-in pump
- Wi-Fi
Cons
- 2 fan speeds only
- Noise not published
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): ENERGY STAR certified product record; Staples listing FHDP5033Y1 (Wi-Fi, 2-speed, ENERGY STAR); Frigidaire dehumidifier lineup; ENERGY STAR certified product record (FHDP5033Y1).
Best heavy duty dehumidifier for basement with pump
Hisense 50 Pint Lift-Up Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump
Best for: utility basements.
Hisense's ADH50KP26 "Lift-Up" is a plain, capable 50 pint pump model: three fan speeds, Auto, Continuous and Manual modes, a quick-connect pump hose that can run to a sink or basement window, and current ENERGY STAR certification (49.95 pints a day, 2.01 L/kWh, about 526 kWh a year). Its Amazon listing says it runs down to 38F, which suits cool basements. If you want a heavy duty basement unit without an app to set up, it is a sensible choice.
| Model number | ADH50KP26 |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (portable) |
| Capacity (current DOE test, 65F) | 50 pints/day |
| Coverage | Not stated by maker |
| Built-in pump | Yes |
| Wi-Fi / app | No |
| ENERGY STAR | Yes |
| Noise | Not published |
| Low-temperature operation | Down to 38F (Amazon listing) |
| Fan speeds | 3 (High, Low, Auto) |
| Modes | Auto, Continuous, Manual |
| Drain | Quick-connect pump hose to a sink or window |
| Pump lift | Up to 16 ft with a 16 ft hose (Sylvane spec sheet for the Hisense 50 pint Lift-Up) |
| ENERGY STAR test data | 49.95 pints/day, IEF 2.01 L/kWh, about 526 kWh/yr (record for ADH50KP26) |
| Price tier | Mid (about $200 to $400) |
Pros
- Built-in pump
- 3 fan speeds and 3 modes
- Rated down to 38F (listing)
- Current ENERGY STAR certification
Cons
- No Wi-Fi
- Noise not published
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Amazon listing B0GWFVLJF3 (Model Number ADH50KP26); Sylvane spec sheet: Hisense 50 Pint Lift-Up; ENERGY STAR certified product record (ADH50KP26).
Best dehumidifier for finished basement
Hisense 50 Pint (70 Pint pre-2019) Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump
Best for: finished basements used as living space.
In a finished basement that doubles as a family room or guest room, noise matters. Hisense publishes a 47 to 50 dB rating for this 50 pint pump model, which is the lowest published figure among the full-size units here. Its built-in pump means no bucket to carry upstairs. It is an older model that is no longer on ENERGY STAR's current list, so stock varies.
Heads up: Older model: still sold by some retailers, but no longer on ENERGY STAR's current certified list.
| Model number | DH7019KP1WG |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (portable) |
| Capacity (current DOE test, 65F) | 50 pints/day |
| Coverage | 1,000 to 1,500 sq ft (sources differ) |
| Built-in pump | Yes |
| Wi-Fi / app | No |
| ENERGY STAR | Not stated |
| Noise | 47 to 50 dB (published spec table) |
| Bucket / capacity | 2 gal bucket |
| Old (pre-2019) rating | 70 pints/day |
| ENERGY STAR status | Not on ENERGY STAR's current certified list (checked Nov 2026); older listings may describe an earlier certification. |
| Price tier | Mid (about $200 to $400) |
Pros
- Published 47 to 50 dB
- Built-in pump
- 50 pints/day
Cons
- 2 gallon bucket is small without the pump
- Coverage claims vary
- Older model, not currently ENERGY STAR listed
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): PickHVAC Hisense spec table; Hisense user care guide.
Best permanent basement dehumidifier
Santa Fe Compact70 Crawl Space Dehumidifier
Best for: homeowners who want a set-and-forget installed unit.
The Santa Fe Compact70 is a different class of machine: a compact, rugged unit designed to be installed and left running in basements and crawl spaces for years. It is rated at 70 pints a day on the AHAM test (80F), moves 150 CFM, and Santa Fe rates it to operate from 49F to 95F. It drains by gravity hose, so pair it with a condensate pump if you have no floor drain.
| Model number | Compact70 (4044110, formerly Compact2) |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (crawl space / basement, low temp) |
| Capacity (AHAM test, 80F, 60% RH) | 70 pints/day |
| Coverage | Crawl spaces about 1,800 to 2,600 sq ft (maker data sheet) |
| Built-in pump | No |
| Wi-Fi / app | No |
| ENERGY STAR | Not stated |
| Noise | Not published |
| Low-temperature operation | 49F to 95F operating range (maker data sheet) |
| Airflow | 150 CFM |
| ENERGY STAR status | Not on ENERGY STAR's current certified list (checked Nov 2026); older listings may describe an earlier certification. |
| Price tier | Pro (about $900 and up) |
Pros
- Built for continuous duty
- 70 pints/day (AHAM)
- Small footprint
Cons
- No built-in pump
- Pro price tier
- Operating minimum (49F) is higher than AlorAir's
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Santa Fe Compact70 data sheet; Santa Fe 4044110 submittal sheet; Sylvane listing Compact70.
Best dehumidifier for large basement
AlorAir Sentinel HDi90 Basement and Crawl Space Dehumidifier with Pump
Best for: large, very damp or recently flooded basements.
For a large or very wet basement, the AlorAir HDi90 is rated at 90 pints a day under AHAM conditions and 198 at saturation, with 210 CFM of airflow and a built-in pump. AlorAir lists it for spaces up to 2,600 sq ft. The published maximum noise is 58 dB, so it is a machine for an unfinished space.
| Model number | HDi90 |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (crawl space / basement, low temp) |
| Capacity (AHAM test, 80F, 60% RH) | 90 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 2,600 sq ft (maker claim) |
| Built-in pump | Yes |
| Wi-Fi / app | Not stated |
| ENERGY STAR | Not stated |
| Noise | Max 58 dB (Sylvane listing) |
| Low-temperature operation | Down to 33.8F (retailer listing) |
| Capacity at saturation (90F, 90% RH) | 198 pints/day |
| Airflow | 210 CFM |
| Warranty | 6-year limited (Amazon listing) |
| Price tier | Pro (about $900 and up) |
Pros
- Highest capacity in this list
- Built-in pump
- Rated down to 33.8F
Cons
- Pro price tier
- Max 58 dB
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Sylvane listing HDi90; AlorAir product spec PDF.
Best dehumidifier for cool basements
AlorAir Sentinel HDi65S Crawl Space Dehumidifier with Pump
Best for: cold or partially below-grade basements.
Cool basements are where ordinary portables struggle. AlorAir rates the HDi65S to operate from 33.8F, and it pairs that with 55 pints a day (AHAM), a pump, Wi-Fi and a compact body. If your basement stays in the 50s for much of the year, it is worth the extra cost.
| Model number | HDi65S |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (crawl space / basement, low temp) |
| Capacity (AHAM test, 80F, 60% RH) | 55 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 1,300 sq ft (maker claim) |
| Built-in pump | Yes |
| Wi-Fi / app | Yes |
| ENERGY STAR | Not stated |
| Noise | Max 52 dB (Sylvane listing) |
| Low-temperature operation | 33.8F to 104F operating range (maker) |
| Capacity at saturation (90F, 90% RH) | 120 pints/day |
| Airflow | 130 CFM |
| Size / weight | 19.2 x 12.2 x 13.3 in, 44 lb |
| Warranty | 6-year limited (Amazon listing) |
| Price tier | Pro (about $900 and up) |
Pros
- Low-temperature rating
- Pump and Wi-Fi
- Compact
Cons
- Pro price tier
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): AlorAir product page HDi65S; AlorAir HDi65S spec sheet; Sylvane listing (noise, low temp).
Best cheap dehumidifier for basement
Hisense 25 Pint (30 Pint pre-2019) Dehumidifier
Best for: small, mildly damp basements.
If your basement is small and only slightly damp, a budget 25 pint unit can be enough. The Hisense DH3020K1W is the cheap dehumidifier for basement use we would consider, but go in with realistic expectations: its 1 gallon bucket fills quickly, and it has one fan speed. Hook up a gravity hose if you can.
| Model number | DH3020K1W |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (portable) |
| Capacity (current DOE test, 65F) | 25 pints/day |
| Coverage | 700 to 1,500 sq ft (sources differ) |
| Built-in pump | No |
| Wi-Fi / app | No |
| ENERGY STAR | Not stated |
| Noise | Not published |
| Bucket / capacity | 1 gal bucket |
| Old (pre-2019) rating | 30 pints/day |
| Fan speeds | 1 |
| Price tier | Value (about $100 to $200) |
Pros
- Low price tier
- Simple
Cons
- Small bucket
- Too small for very damp or large basements
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Hisense USA product page; Hisense Canada product page.
What size dehumidifier for a basement?
Start with ENERGY STAR's chart, then adjust for your basement. A basement with sweating walls or any seepage counts as "wet," even if it is small.
| Condition before dehumidifying | Room under 2,000 sq ft (pints/day) | Space over 2,000 sq ft (pints/day) |
|---|---|---|
| Slightly to moderately damp feels damp, musty odor at times; about 50 to 75% RH | 20 to 30 | 30+ |
| Very damp always feels and smells damp, damp spots on walls or floor; about 75 to 90% RH | 25 to 40 | 40+ |
| Wet walls or floor sweat, seepage, laundry drying; about 90 to 100% RH | 30 to 50 | 50+ |
Source: ENERGY STAR dehumidifier buying guidance. ENERGY STAR adds: "it's better to oversize than undersize."
| Basement size | Slightly damp | Very damp | Wet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1,000 sq ft | 20 to 30 pints | 25 to 40 pints | 30 to 50 pints |
| 1,000 to 2,000 sq ft | 30 pints | 35 to 40 pints | 50 pints |
| Over 2,000 sq ft | 30+ pints | 40+ pints | 50+ pints, or two units / crawl space class |
Portable vs permanent basement dehumidifier
| Portable (Midea, Frigidaire, GE) | Permanent (Santa Fe, AlorAir) | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price tier | $$$ | $$$$ to $$$$$ |
| Low-temperature operation | Best above about 65F (ENERGY STAR guidance) | Rated to about 34F (AlorAir) or 49F (Santa Fe Compact70) |
| Draining | Bucket, hose, some have pumps | Hose or pump, built for continuous drain |
| Can be ducted | No | Some models |
| Best for | Most basements | Cool, large or always-damp basements |
Consumer Reports vs our picks
Looking for the Consumer Reports best dehumidifier for basement list? Consumer Reports runs its own dehumidifier tests, and its full ratings sit behind a membership, so we do not reproduce or guess them here. If you are a member, its results are a useful check on noise and moisture removal. Our approach is different: every number on this page is from a public document you can open, which is why some specs (like noise) show "not published." Where an independent lab has published a measurement, such as RTINGS for the Midea Cube, we include it.
Frequently asked questions
What size dehumidifier for a basement?
Should a basement dehumidifier run all the time?
What humidity should a basement be?
Do I need a pump in a basement dehumidifier?
Sources
- ENERGY STAR: Dehumidifiers buying guidance and sizing chart
- ENERGY STAR: Dehumidifier testing and capacity (2019 test change)
- EPA Mold Course, Chapter 2: indoor humidity guidance
- RTINGS: Midea Cube MAD50PS1QWT measurements