# The Best 20-Pint Dehumidifiers for Bedrooms, Baths and Small Basements

> The smallest real compressor size is often the right one: enough to dry a damp room, small enough to forget it's there.

Canonical: https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-20-pint-dehumidifier/
Last updated: 2026-11-05
Published: 2026-11-05
Category: Size & Features
Publisher: Enthusiast Review

A **20-pint dehumidifier** is the entry point for compressor drying: big enough to pull a clammy bedroom, a steamy bathroom or a small finished basement back under 50% humidity, yet light enough to carry between rooms. Our top pick is the **Midea Cube 20**, an ENERGY STAR model with a genuine DOE 2019 rating, an oversized base reservoir and app control.

This guide is for shoppers with one damp room, not a wet basement. Three things decide whether a 20-pint unit works for you: an honest capacity rating (listing claims of 1,500 square feet are best-case), drainage you can live with, and controls that let it hold a set humidity quietly. If you're torn between sizes, our [22-pint guide](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-22-pint-dehumidifier/) covers the next step up, and the [dehumidifier size guide](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/guides/dehumidifier-size-guide/) explains how to match pints to a space.

## Our top picks

- **Best overall:** Midea Cube 20 — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZMY8BC8?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)
- **Best quiet pick for bedrooms:** Dravonic 21-Pint — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H6B9VVPG?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)
- **Best with a timer and drain hose:** Trazico 21-Pint — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H7WDQ5TY?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)
- **Best name-brand basic:** Whirlpool 20-Pint — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GLB3NG2?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)
- **Best budget:** RCA 20-Pint — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BCCFD52K?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

The **Midea Cube 20** is the best 20-pint dehumidifier for most rooms, with a verified DOE rating, ENERGY STAR efficiency, a big base tank and app control.

## 1. Midea Cube 20-Pint Smart Dehumidifier (MAD20S1QWT) — Best overall

[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZMY8BC8?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

**Pros**

- Genuine 20.16 pints a day on the DOE 2019 test
- ENERGY STAR, about 249 kWh a year
- Base reservoir holds more than a typical small bucket
- Wi-Fi app, Alexa and Google control

**Cons**

- Efficiency sits right at the ENERGY STAR line
- Costs more than no-name 20-pint boxes

**Why we picked it:** The Cube 20 is the 20-pint you can verify: its capacity and energy use are on the ENERGY STAR list, not just the box. The stacked design puts a large reservoir in the base, so it runs longer between empties than most small units, and the app lets you set a target and check the room from anywhere.

**Performance:** ENERGY STAR lists it at 20.16 DOE pints a day, 1.70 L/kWh and about 249 kWh a year, and Midea's listing claims coverage up to 1,500 square feet. In practice it's ideal for a bedroom, office or small finished basement that's damp but not wet. Add a gravity hose if there's a drain nearby. The rest of the Cube family is in our [best Midea dehumidifier](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-midea-dehumidifier/) guide.

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 20.16 pints/day (DOE 2019) |
| Efficiency | ENERGY STAR, 1.70 L/kWh |
| Drainage | Base reservoir or gravity hose |
| Smart control | Wi-Fi app, Alexa, Google |
| Best for | Bedroom, office, small basement |

## 2. Dravonic 21-Pint Dehumidifier (1,500 sq ft) — Best quiet pick for bedrooms

[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H6B9VVPG?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

**Pros**

- Listed at 37 dB, low for a compressor unit
- Automatic humidity control and three modes
- Drain hose included
- Auto-defrost and a washable filter

**Cons**

- Newer brand with a short track record
- Noise figure is the maker's, with no test conditions given

**Why we picked it:** If the room you need to dry is the one you sleep in, noise is the spec that matters. Dravonic lists this 21-pinter at 37 dB and includes a drain hose, so it can run overnight next to a floor drain without a bucket alarm or a loud compressor.

**Performance:** The listing rates it for up to 1,500 square feet, with automatic humidity control, three modes, auto-defrost and a washable filter. The color-changing light is a nice touch in a living space; check the manual for whether it can be dimmed if you're a light sleeper. As with any newer brand, keep the box and register the warranty.

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 21 pints/day (as listed) |
| Coverage | Up to 1,500 sq ft (listing) |
| Noise | 37 dB (maker's figure) |
| Drainage | Tank or included drain hose |
| Low-temp operation | Auto-defrost |

## 3. Trazico 21-Pint Dehumidifier (1,500 sq ft) — Best with a timer and drain hose

[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H7WDQ5TY?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

**Pros**

- Drain hose included for continuous running
- 24-hour timer
- Automatic humidity control with three modes
- Auto-defrost for cooler rooms

**Cons**

- Newer value brand with a limited track record
- No ENERGY STAR claim on the listing

**Why we picked it:** The Trazico covers the practical basics in one box: a hose so it never stops on a full tank, a timer to run it while you're out, and auto-defrost for a cool lower level. For a small basement office or laundry room with a drain, that's most of what you need.

**Performance:** Trazico lists it at 21 pints a day for spaces up to 1,500 square feet, with smart humidity control, three modes, a 24-hour timer and auto-defrost. The listing doesn't mention ENERGY STAR, so expect slightly higher running costs than the Midea in a long season. Our [best Trazico dehumidifier](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-trazico-dehumidifier/) guide compares the brand's 30- and 45-pint models.

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 21 pints/day (as listed) |
| Coverage | Up to 1,500 sq ft (listing) |
| Drainage | Tank or included drain hose |
| Timer | 24-hour |
| Low-temp operation | Auto-defrost |

## 4. Whirlpool 20-Pint Portable Dehumidifier — Best name-brand basic

[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GLB3NG2?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

**Pros**

- Familiar appliance brand
- Shuts off automatically when the bucket is full
- Built-in timer
- Portable size for moving room to room

**Cons**

- Listing doesn't mention ENERGY STAR or a DOE rating
- No drain hose noted on the listing

**Why we picked it:** Some shoppers simply want a brand they recognize and a unit with no app to set up. The Whirlpool 20-pint keeps it simple: pick a setting, let the timer and auto-shutoff handle the rest, and empty the bucket when it stops.

**Performance:** The listing pitches it for basements, garages and living rooms, with auto-shutoff and a timer as the headline features. Treat it as a single-room machine and plan on emptying the bucket, since the listing doesn't mention continuous drainage. If you want more capacity from the same brand, see our [best Whirlpool dehumidifier](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-whirlpool-dehumidifier/) guide.

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 20 pints/day (as listed) |
| Type | Compressor |
| Drainage | Bucket with auto shut-off |
| Timer | Yes |
| Best for | Single rooms, light use |

## 5. RCA 20-Pint Portable Dehumidifier — Best budget

[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BCCFD52K?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

**Pros**

- Usually among the least expensive 20-pint units
- Auto-shutoff when the bucket fills
- Built-in timer
- Light enough to carry between rooms

**Cons**

- Listing describes the same feature set as the Whirlpool, with nothing extra
- No ENERGY STAR or DOE rating on the listing

**Why we picked it:** The RCA's listing reads almost word for word like the Whirlpool's, with the same auto-shutoff, timer and suggested rooms. If you're happy with a basic bucket unit, buy whichever of the two is cheaper on the day.

**Performance:** It's a straightforward 20-pint portable for one room: set it, let the timer run, and empty the bucket when it shuts off. Without an ENERGY STAR listing or a published DOE figure, it's best for occasional or seasonal use rather than months of nonstop running.

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 20 pints/day (as listed) |
| Type | Compressor |
| Drainage | Bucket with auto shut-off |
| Timer | Yes |
| Best for | Occasional single-room use |

## 20-pint dehumidifiers, by the numbers

- **2.5 gal** — Water a 20-pint unit can remove per day under DOE test conditions
- **≈ 30 pints** — What a DOE 20-pint would have been labeled before the 2019 test change
- **1,500 sq ft** — The best-case coverage most 20- and 21-pint listings claim

The middle number is why a modern 20-pinter punches above its label. The DOE now tests in cooler 65°F air, so today's 20 is roughly yesterday's 30, which is plenty for a bedroom that feels sticky in July.

## How we pick 20-pint dehumidifiers

We don't lab-test. We compare DOE 2019 ratings and ENERGY STAR data where they exist, read listings and manuals for drainage, controls and defrost, check CPSC recall records, and look for patterns in owner reviews such as early compressor failures or inaccurate humidity readouts.

In the 20-pint class, many newer brands publish only listing figures, so we label which numbers are verified and which are the maker's own. Every pick is a verified Amazon listing.

## How to choose a 20-pint dehumidifier

- **Confirm it's a compressor unit:** A true 20-pint is a compressor dehumidifier. Mini thermoelectric units are rated in ounces and remove a small fraction as much; see our [small dehumidifier guide](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-small-dehumidifier/) if that's what you need.
- **Size by dampness, not the listing:** A 20-pint handles a musty room up to about 1,000 square feet. Visible condensation or seepage calls for 30–50 pints, whatever the box says.
- **Pick drainage you'll actually use:** Small-unit buckets fill in less than a day in muggy weather.
  - Bedroom or office: a big tank or base reservoir
  - Laundry room or basement with a drain: a hose connection
  - No drain and a long humid season: size up to a pump model
- **Quiet where you sleep:** Decibel figures are usually the maker's own, so read owner reviews too. A low-fan or sleep setting helps more than a single number.
- **Controls that hold a target:** Look for a humidistat you can set to a percentage, plus auto shut-off, a timer and auto-restart after power cuts.
- **Running cost:** ENERGY STAR certification is the easiest efficiency check. A 20-pint running much of the summer adds up; our [electricity guide](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/guides/how-much-electricity-does-a-dehumidifier-use/) shows how to estimate it.

## Our 20-pint picks compared

| Pick | Capacity | Drainage | Key feature | Best for |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Midea Cube 20 | 20.16 pints (DOE) | Base reservoir or hose | ENERGY STAR, app control | Bedrooms, offices |
| Dravonic 21-Pint | 21 pints (listed) | Tank or included hose | 37 dB maker rating | Light sleepers |
| Trazico 21-Pint | 21 pints (listed) | Tank or included hose | 24-hour timer, auto-defrost | Small basements, laundry rooms |
| Whirlpool 20-Pint | 20 pints (listed) | Bucket | Auto-shutoff, timer | Simple single-room use |
| RCA 20-Pint | 20 pints (listed) | Bucket | Auto-shutoff, timer | Tight budgets |

*"Listed" figures come from product listings; only the Midea's rating is confirmed on ENERGY STAR's list.*

## Is a 20-pint dehumidifier big enough?

| Space | Is 20 pints enough? |
| --- | --- |
| Bedroom or home office up to about 500 sq ft | Yes, comfortably |
| Bathroom with a shower | Yes, alongside the exhaust fan |
| Musty finished basement up to about 1,000 sq ft | Usually, with a hose |
| Basement with condensation or seepage | No: step up to 35–50 pints |
| Crawl space | No: use a dedicated crawl-space unit |

If you see water on windows, pipes or walls, a 20-pint will run nonstop without reaching your target. Our [bedroom](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-for-bedroom/) and [bathroom](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-for-bathroom/) guides cover room-specific setup.

### GE, Haier and other 20-pint models you'll see

GE's 20-pint portable (model ADEW20LY) is one of the most searched small units. It isn't in our verified Amazon list, so we don't card it, but compare its current DOE rating, drainage and controls against the picks above. Haier, which owns GE Appliances, sells 20-pint models too; our [Haier vs. GE comparison](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/compare/haier-vs-ge-dehumidifier/) explains how the brands relate. The **TCL TDW20E20** is another quiet 20-pint bedroom option, covered in our 22-pint guide.

## Which one should you buy?

- **You want the best all-round small unit with verified numbers:** the Midea Cube 20.
- **It's going in the room where you sleep:** the Dravonic 21-Pint, listed at 37 dB.
- **There's a drain nearby and you want a timer:** the Trazico 21-Pint.
- **You prefer a familiar name and no app:** the Whirlpool 20-Pint.
- **You need the cheapest working compressor unit:** the RCA 20-Pint.

## The bottom line

A 20-pint dehumidifier is the right tool for one damp room, and the Midea Cube 20 is the easiest recommendation because its rating and efficiency are verified. The Dravonic and Trazico add drain hoses and quiet operation at lower prices, while the Whirlpool and RCA cover basic bucket drying. If your space is wetter than "musty," skip to a 30- or 50-pint model instead.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the best 20-pint dehumidifier?

The Midea Cube 20 for most rooms. Its 20.16-pint DOE rating and ENERGY STAR efficiency are verified, its base reservoir runs longer between empties, and you can control it from an app or a voice assistant.

### Is a 20-pint dehumidifier enough for a basement?

For a small, mildly musty finished basement up to about 1,000 square feet, often yes, especially with a hose to a floor drain. For a basement with condensation, seepage or more space, choose a 35- to 50-pint unit.

### How big a room will a 20-pint dehumidifier cover?

Listings often claim up to 1,500 square feet, but that's a best case. Realistically, a 20-pint keeps a bedroom, office, bathroom or small suite under 50% humidity.

### Is the GE 20-pint dehumidifier (ADEW20LY) any good?

It's a popular choice, but it isn't on our verified Amazon list, so we haven't featured it. Judge it like any 20-pint: check its current DOE rating, ENERGY STAR status, drainage options and whether its humidistat takes an exact percentage.

### What's the difference between a 20-pint and a 22-pint dehumidifier?

About two pints a day of capacity, which rarely matters in one room. Choose on drainage, noise and controls instead. Our 22-pint guide covers the Midea and Keystone 22-pint models.

### Is the Midea Cube 20-pint smart dehumidifier worth it?

Yes, if you'll use the app or want fewer bucket trips. You pay a little more than a basic box, but you get a verified rating, ENERGY STAR efficiency and a larger reservoir.

## Related guides

- [The Best 22-Pint and 25-Pint Dehumidifiers](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-22-pint-dehumidifier/)
- [The Best Small Dehumidifiers for Small Rooms, Closets and Bathrooms](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-small-dehumidifier/)
- [The Best 30-Pint Dehumidifiers for Bedrooms, Offices and Small Spaces](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-30-pint-dehumidifier/)
- [The Best Quiet Dehumidifiers for Bedrooms](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-for-bedroom/)
- [The Best Portable Dehumidifiers for Your Bathroom](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-for-bathroom/)
- [What Size Dehumidifier Do You Need?](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/guides/dehumidifier-size-guide/)

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*Enthusiast Review researches products against DOE ratings, ENERGY STAR data, manuals, CPSC recalls and owner reviews; it does not run a test lab. Amazon links are affiliate links (tag sktiger-20).*