# The Best Dehumidifiers for Apartments > No floor drain, thin walls, a landlord's carpet and an outlet you share with the AC. These dehumidifiers are built for renting. Canonical: https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-for-apartment/ Last updated: 2026-11-05 Published: 2026-09-12 Category: Rooms & Spaces Publisher: Enthusiast Review Choosing a **dehumidifier for an apartment** comes with rules a homeowner never thinks about. There's rarely a floor drain to run a hose to, the lease may frown on anything permanent, an overflowing bucket can cost you part of your security deposit, and a droning compressor becomes your neighbor's problem as well as yours. Whether you're in a studio apartment or a two-bedroom, the best unit is the one that works inside those limits. You're far from alone: about 34.7% of US households rent, according to the 2024 American Community Survey, and most rental units weren't built with a dehumidifier's drainage or power needs in mind. The average studio runs about 472 square feet and the average one-bedroom about 714, so you rarely need a basement-size machine. We compared quiet ratings, tank sizes, power draw, overflow protection and portability across the models renters actually buy, then matched each to the apartment problem it solves best. ## Our top picks - **Best overall:** Midea Cube 20 — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZMY8BC8?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1) - **Best for shared walls:** NineSky CT2 — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=NineSky%20CT2%20Thermoelectric%20Dehumidifier&tag=sktiger-20) - **Best for remote monitoring:** hOmeLabs 32-Pint Wi-Fi — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X9MFTZZ?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1) - **Best for a closet:** Eva-Dry E-333 — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000H0XFCS?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1) - **Best low-power pick:** Pro Breeze PB-03 — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HXVUT7C?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1) The **Midea Cube 20** is the best dehumidifier for most apartments: quiet, efficient and fitted with a tank large enough to skip nightly emptying. ## 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** - 3.2-gallon tank, about three times a conventional bucket, per Midea - Rated at 42 dB, per Midea - ENERGY STAR Most Efficient - Rated for up to 1,500 sq ft - Compact cube tucks into a corner **Cons** - A full 3.2-gallon tank is heavy to carry - Costs more than a basic 20-pint box **Why we picked it:** It answers the two big apartment questions — where does the water go, and how loud is it? — better than almost anything else in its class. The oversized tank means a trip to the sink every few days instead of every night, and it's quiet enough for a living room. **Performance:** Midea rates it at 20 pints a day for up to 1,500 square feet, which gives real headroom in a studio or one-bedroom. The water collects in the base, which lifts out in one piece. Its Most Efficient badge keeps running costs low, which matters when utilities are on you. For more compact picks, see our [best small dehumidifier](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-small-dehumidifier/) guide. | Spec | Value | | --- | --- | | Capacity | 20 pints/day (DOE 2019) | | Tank | 3.2 gallons | | Noise | 42 dB, per Midea | | Coverage | Up to 1,500 sq ft | | Efficiency | ENERGY STAR Most Efficient | ## 2. NineSky CT2 Thermoelectric Dehumidifier — Best for shared walls [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=NineSky%20CT2%20Thermoelectric%20Dehumidifier&tag=sktiger-20) **Pros** - Rated at 40 dB or lower - Fits on a nightstand or closet shelf - LED full indicator and auto shutoff - Low power draw **Cons** - Far less extraction than a compressor unit - Small tank needs frequent emptying in humid weather **Why we picked it:** If your neighbor has ever knocked on the wall, quiet beats capacity. The CT2's compressor-free design keeps it to a low hum that won't carry through drywall. **Performance:** As a thermoelectric unit, it removes far less water than a compressor model, so it's best for a single small bedroom or closet rather than a whole apartment. Its tank holds roughly 95 ounces, and it shuts off when full so it can run overnight safely. Pair it with good ventilation habits for best results. More overnight-friendly options are in our [best dehumidifier for bedroom](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-for-bedroom/) guide. | Spec | Value | | --- | --- | | Type | Thermoelectric | | Noise | 40 dB or lower, per NineSky | | Tank | About 95 oz | | Auto shutoff | Yes | | Best for | Small bedroom, closet | ## 3. hOmeLabs 32-Pint Wi-Fi Dehumidifier — Best for remote monitoring [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X9MFTZZ?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1) **Pros** - App shows tank status from anywhere - More capacity than a 20-pint unit - Smart features without a big premium **Cons** - Around 50 dB, noticeable in a quiet bedroom - Coverage claim is generous for a 32-pint unit **Why we picked it:** An overflow on a landlord's carpet is a deposit problem, not just a mess. Being able to check the tank from your desk and empty it before it fills is worth a lot when the floor isn't yours. **Performance:** hOmeLabs rates it for up to 4,500 square feet, but we'd treat it as a strong unit for a one- or two-bedroom apartment. It runs around 50 dB, so put it in the living area rather than right beside a bed. If app control is your priority, compare more options in our [best Wi-Fi dehumidifier](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-wifi-dehumidifier/) roundup. | Spec | Value | | --- | --- | | Capacity | 32 pints/day | | Smart control | Wi-Fi app | | Noise | About 50 dB | | Type | Compressor | | Best for | Whole small apartment | ## 4. Eva-Dry E-333 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier — Best for a closet [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000H0XFCS?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1) **Pros** - Silent, with no power draw while absorbing - Color-change beads show when it's full - Recharges by plugging into a wall outlet - Reusable for years **Cons** - Only for small, enclosed spaces - Has to come out for recharging **Why we picked it:** Not every damp spot needs a full-size machine. A musty closet or the cabinet under the bathroom sink is a job for a silent silica canister with no cord, no noise and no bucket. **Performance:** Eva-Dry rates it for 333 cubic feet, roughly a large closet. When the beads change color, plug it in for several hours to dry them out and it's ready again. It works alongside a room unit rather than replacing one. Our [best dehumidifier for closet](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-for-closet/) guide has more options. | Spec | Value | | --- | --- | | Type | Renewable silica gel | | Power | None while absorbing | | Rated space | 333 cu ft | | Recharge | Wall outlet | | Best for | Closet, under-sink cabinet | ## 5. Pro Breeze PB-03 Mini Dehumidifier (2,200 cu ft) — Best low-power pick [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HXVUT7C?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1) **Pros** - Draws a fraction of a compressor unit's power - Around 35 dB, per Pro Breeze - Light and easy to move between rooms **Cons** - Modest extraction for humid summers - Small tank **Why we picked it:** Older buildings sometimes put a bedroom outlet on the same breaker as a window AC or a space heater. A thermoelectric unit like the PB-03 won't be the thing that finally trips it. **Performance:** Pro Breeze rates it for 2,200 cubic feet, which suits a small bedroom or bathroom. It runs cool and quiet, and it's easy to pack up when your lease ends. Expect it to keep a small room comfortable rather than rescue a soggy one. See the rest of the line in our [best Pro Breeze dehumidifier](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-pro-breeze-dehumidifier/) guide. | Spec | Value | | --- | --- | | Type | Thermoelectric | | Rated space | 2,200 cu ft | | Noise | About 35 dB, per Pro Breeze | | Power | Low draw | | Best for | Older wiring, small rooms | ## Apartment humidity, by the numbers - **34.7%** — Share of US households that rent, per the 2024 American Community Survey - **472 sq ft** — Size of the average US studio apartment - **24–48 hrs** — How fast mold can start on a damp surface, per the EPA Those first two numbers point the same way: most renters need a quiet, compact, single-room machine, not a basement workhorse. The third is a reminder that mold damage in a rental can come out of your deposit, so keeping humidity in check pays off twice. ## How we pick dehumidifiers for apartments We don't lab-test. We compared manufacturer noise ratings, tank sizes, coverage claims and power draw, checked ENERGY STAR data, and read owner reviews for the issues that matter most to renters: overflows, rattling compressors, flimsy tanks and units that trip breakers. We weighted noise and no-drain convenience highest, then overflow protection, energy use and how easy each unit is to move when you do. ## What to look for in an apartment dehumidifier - **A big tank or smart alerts:** Without a floor drain, a larger tank or an app that warns you before it's full keeps water off the landlord's floor. - **42 dB or quieter for bedrooms:** Anything around 50 dB is noticeable through drywall. Save the louder units for the living room. - **Auto shutoff when full:** Non-negotiable in a rental. It's the backstop that protects your deposit. - **A circuit check:** If a space heater or window AC shares the circuit, a low-power thermoelectric unit avoids tripped breakers. - **Portability:** You'll move eventually. A compact unit with a handle is easier to pack than a basement-grade box. ## What size dehumidifier for a studio apartment? | Apartment | Typical size | What to buy | | --- | --- | --- | | Studio | ~472 sq ft | 20-pint compressor unit, or a thermoelectric mini if humidity is mild | | One-bedroom | ~714 sq ft | 20- to 30-pint unit in the main living area | | Two-bedroom or damp ground floor | 1,000+ sq ft | 30- to 35-pint unit, plus a mini for the dampest bedroom | | Just a musty closet | Closet | Renewable silica canister | Ground-floor and garden-level units run damper than upper floors, so size up if you're below grade. Our [dehumidifier size guide](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/guides/dehumidifier-size-guide/) has the full chart. ## How to dehumidify an apartment without a dehumidifier doing all the work 1. **Run the bathroom fan** during showers and for 20 minutes after, and leave the door open once you're done. 2. **Use the range hood** whenever you boil or simmer, and cover pots. 3. **Dry laundry in the dryer** or at a laundromat rather than on racks indoors. 4. **Run your AC** in summer; it removes moisture as it cools. 5. **Report leaks quickly.** A dripping pipe or failed window seal is the landlord's job to fix, and documenting it protects your deposit. 6. **Then let the dehumidifier hold the line** at 40–50%, and check it with a hygrometer. More room-by-room tactics are in our guide on [how to dehumidify a room](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/guides/how-to-dehumidify-a-room/). ## The bottom line The **Midea Cube 20** is the best dehumidifier for most apartments, with a quiet rating, a tank big enough to skip daily emptying and enough coverage for a studio or one-bedroom. Choose the **NineSky CT2** when a shared wall makes quiet the top priority, the **hOmeLabs 32-Pint Wi-Fi** if you want tank alerts on your phone, the **Eva-Dry E-333** for a musty closet, and the **Pro Breeze PB-03** if older wiring can't handle a compressor. Own your unit instead? Our [best dehumidifier for condo](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-for-condo/) guide covers what changes. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the best dehumidifier for an apartment? The Midea Cube 20 for most renters. It's rated for up to 1,500 sq ft, holds 3.2 gallons so you empty it less often, and is rated at 42 dB. For a bedroom on a shared wall, the NineSky CT2's 40-dB-or-lower rating is the quieter choice. ### What size dehumidifier do I need for a studio apartment? A 20-pint compressor unit covers a typical studio of around 472 sq ft with room to spare. If humidity is only mildly elevated, a thermoelectric mini can work in a small studio, but it removes far less water. ### Do I need a drain to use a dehumidifier in an apartment? No. Choose a model with a large tank you empty into a sink, or one with app alerts. If your lease allows it, you can also run an included hose into a bathtub or laundry drain. None of our picks need permanent plumbing. ### How do you dehumidify an apartment? Start with ventilation: bathroom fan during and after showers, range hood while cooking, and a dryer instead of indoor drying racks. Run the AC in summer, report leaks to your landlord, and use a dehumidifier to hold 40–50% humidity. ### Will an apartment dehumidifier trip my breaker? A compressor unit typically draws a few hundred watts, which is fine on its own but can tip an older circuit already running a space heater or window AC. In that case, a low-power thermoelectric model like the Pro Breeze PB-03 is safer. ### How loud is too loud for an apartment dehumidifier? Around 50 dB is noticeable in a quiet room and can carry through a shared wall. For overnight use in a bedroom, look for a rating of about 42 dB or lower. ## Related guides - [The Best Quiet Dehumidifiers for Bedrooms](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-for-bedroom/) - [The Best Small Dehumidifiers for Small Rooms, Closets and Bathrooms](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-small-dehumidifier/) - [The Best Dehumidifiers for Condos](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-for-condo/) - [The Best Dehumidifiers for a Dorm Room](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-for-dorm-room/) - [The Quietest Dehumidifiers for Bedrooms, Offices and Nurseries](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-quiet-dehumidifier/) - [How to Dehumidify a Room — With or Without a Dehumidifier](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/guides/how-to-dehumidify-a-room/) --- *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).*