A musty basement, peeling paint, or condensation on your pipes all point to the same problem: too much moisture. A good dehumidifier fixes it. We tested 50-pint models from five brands — here is what actually matters and what does not.
Last updated: April 2026 · By the CleanAirHomeLab team
Quick Picks
Short on time? Here are our picks by use case. Scroll down for full reviews with specs, noise, and drain options.
What Size Dehumidifier Do You Need?
Dehumidifier capacity is rated in pints per day using the DOE 2020 standard. Older ratings used a different test — a unit labeled “70-pint” before 2020 is now labeled “50-pint.” Same machine, different math. Use this table:
Moisture Level
Room Size
Capacity Needed
Slightly damp (musty smell in humid weather)
Up to 1,000 sq ft
20-30 pints/day
Moderately damp (damp spots on walls/floor)
Up to 1,500 sq ft
30-40 pints/day
Very damp (visible condensation, wet walls)
Up to 2,500 sq ft
40-50 pints/day
Wet (standing water, flooding history)
Up to 2,500 sq ft
50+ pints/day
Any condition
2,500-4,500 sq ft
50 pints/day
Any condition
Over 4,500 sq ft
Two 50-pint units pints/day
Our advice: just get a 50-pint unit. The price difference between 30-pint and 50-pint is $30-50, and the 50-pint runs at a lower speed (quieter) to hit the same humidity target.
Pump vs. Gravity Drain — Which Do You Need?
This is the single most important decision when buying a dehumidifier. Get it wrong and you end up emptying a bucket every 6 hours.
Gravity Drain
Water flows downhill through a hose to a floor drain or utility sink. Works great if you have a drain at or below floor level.
Cheaper ($200-250)
Nothing to break — no pump motor
Drain must be below the unit
Cannot push water uphill
Built-in Pump
An internal pump pushes water up to 15-16 feet vertically. Drain out a window, into a sink across the room, or into a standpipe.
Drain anywhere — uphill, across room, out window
No floor drain needed
Costs $50-100 more
Pump motor can fail (rare)
Our take: A built-in pump costs $50-80 extra. A separate external condensate pump costs $60-80 on its own. Just buy the unit with the pump built in unless you already have a floor drain right next to where the unit will sit.
What We Look For
Drain Setup
Pump or gravity? How long is the included hose? Can you route it to where you need? This makes or breaks the experience.
Noise at Normal Speed
Manufacturers report noise at the lowest speed. We note real noise on medium and high, because that is where these units spend most of their time.
Running Cost
A dehumidifier runs 8-16 hours per day for months at a time. A 100-watt difference adds up to $20-40/year. Energy Star matters here.
Reliability
Dehumidifier compressors fail. We track brand recall history and warranty coverage. A 5-year sealed system warranty is the minimum we recommend.
Full Reviews
#1 Best Overall
Midea MAD50S1QWT
$280
50-pint dehumidifier with a built-in pump that pushes water up to 16 feet. No floor drain needed. Set it and forget it.
Key Specs
Capacity
50 pints/day (at 65°F, 60% RH per DOE standard)
Coverage
Up to 4,500 sq ft
Tank Size
1.6 gallons (auto shutoff when full)
Drain
Gravity hose + built-in pump (16 ft lift)
Noise Level
51 dB
Energy Star
Yes
Dimensions
15.4 x 11.0 x 24.3 inches
Weight
44 lbs
Warranty
1 year parts + labor, 5 year sealed system
What We Like
Built-in pump pushes condensate up to 16 feet — drain into a sink, out a window, or uphill
50 pints/day handles basements up to 4,500 sq ft
Energy Star certified — runs about $5-7/month on average
Continuous drain option via gravity hose (included) or the pump
Quiet at 51 dB — about as loud as a refrigerator hum
What Could Be Better
Pump hose connection is on the back — hard to reach once placed against a wall
No WiFi or app — you have to walk to the unit to change settings
The bucket is only 1.6 gallons — fills fast if you skip the drain hose
Plastic housing feels average — not cheap, not premium
Auto-restart after power outage works, but resets to default humidity level
Our Verdict
The Midea MAD50S1QWT is our top pick for most basements. The built-in pump solves the biggest headache with dehumidifiers — where to drain the water. You can route the hose to a sink, utility drain, or even uphill to a window. At $280, it costs less than most pump models and still hits 50 pints per day. The only real downside is no app control. If you want to set it from your phone, look at the GE or Midea Cube instead.
50-pint dehumidifier with a built-in pump and LG ThinQ app. The quietest unit in its class at 44 dB on low.
Key Specs
Capacity
50 pints/day (DOE standard)
Coverage
Up to 4,500 sq ft
Tank Size
1.6 gallons (auto shutoff)
Drain
Gravity hose + built-in pump (16 ft lift)
Noise Level
44-51 dB
Energy Star
Yes
WiFi
LG ThinQ (2.4 GHz)
Dimensions
15.0 x 11.6 x 24.8 inches
Weight
48 lbs
What We Like
44 dB on low speed — the quietest 50-pint unit we have tested
LG ThinQ WiFi app lets you monitor humidity and control from anywhere
Built-in pump with 16-foot vertical lift for flexible drain placement
Dry+ boost mode drops humidity fast after flooding or heavy rain
LG compressor quality — same brand that makes reliable commercial HVAC
What Could Be Better
At $370, it costs $90 more than the Midea with the same pint rating
ThinQ app requires account creation and can be slow to connect
Bucket removal is awkward — pull from the front, easy to spill
Weighs 48 lbs — heavy to carry down basement stairs
The humidity sensor can read 3-5% higher than a standalone hygrometer
Our Verdict
The LG PuriCare is the best dehumidifier if you care about noise or want app control. At 44 dB on low, you can run it in a bedroom or home office without noticing. The ThinQ app works well enough to check on it remotely. The question is whether those extras are worth $90 more than the Midea. If your dehumidifier sits in a basement you rarely visit, save the money. If it runs in living space, the LG is worth it.
50-pint gravity-drain dehumidifier from a trusted appliance brand. No pump, but reliable and $50-100 cheaper than pump models.
Key Specs
Capacity
50 pints/day (DOE standard)
Coverage
Up to 4,500 sq ft
Tank Size
1.6 gallons (auto shutoff)
Drain
Gravity hose only (no pump)
Noise Level
52 dB
Energy Star
Yes
Dimensions
15.5 x 11.2 x 24.4 inches
Weight
42 lbs
Warranty
1 year parts + labor, 5 year sealed system
What We Like
At $230, it is the cheapest reliable 50-pint unit from a major brand
Continuous gravity drain with included hose — no bucket emptying if drain is below unit
Simple push-button controls — no app, no WiFi, nothing to break
Frigidaire appliance quality — compressor and coils are solid
Washable filter snaps out easily — no replacement filters to buy
What Could Be Better
No built-in pump — gravity drain only, water must flow downhill
No WiFi or smart features — manual control only
52 dB on high — louder than the LG by about 8 dB (noticeable difference)
1.6 gallon bucket fills quickly — use continuous drain if you can
Casters feel cheap and struggle on uneven basement floors
Our Verdict
The Frigidaire FFAD5033W1 is the right pick if you have a floor drain or utility sink below the unit. Gravity drain works great in basements — just run the hose downhill and forget about it. You save $50-150 by skipping the pump. But if your drain is higher than the unit or across the room, the pump on the Midea is worth the extra money.
50-pint smart dehumidifier with WiFi, built-in pump, and voice control. Pairs with Google Home and Alexa.
Key Specs
Capacity
50 pints/day (DOE standard)
Coverage
Up to 4,500 sq ft
Tank Size
1.6 gallons (auto shutoff)
Drain
Gravity hose + built-in pump (15 ft lift)
Noise Level
47-54 dB
Energy Star
Yes
WiFi
SmartHQ (2.4 GHz), Alexa + Google Home
Dimensions
15.3 x 11.4 x 24.5 inches
Weight
45 lbs
What We Like
WiFi built in — monitor and adjust humidity from the SmartHQ app
Works with Alexa and Google Home voice commands out of the box
Built-in pump with 15-foot lift for drain flexibility
Turbo mode ramps to max speed for fast humidity recovery
LED display shows current humidity and target clearly
What Could Be Better
SmartHQ app is slow and sometimes drops the WiFi connection
At $330, you pay a premium for smart features over the Midea ($280)
15-foot pump lift vs 16 feet on Midea and LG — minor, but noted
54 dB on high — the loudest unit in our lineup
Only 2.4 GHz WiFi — won't connect to 5 GHz networks
Our Verdict
The GE ADEL50LZ is the right pick if you already use Google Home or Alexa and want your dehumidifier in the smart home ecosystem. The app lets you see your basement humidity from bed. But the SmartHQ app gets mediocre reviews, and you are paying $50 extra vs the Midea just for WiFi. If app control is a must, the LG ThinQ app is more reliable. The GE wins only if you need voice assistant integration.
Budget pump dehumidifier from a Gree subsidiary. Internal pump pushes water up 15 feet. Surprisingly quiet for the price.
Key Specs
Capacity
50 pints/day (DOE standard)
Coverage
Up to 4,500 sq ft
Tank Size
1.5 gallons (auto shutoff)
Drain
Gravity hose + built-in pump (15 ft lift)
Noise Level
49 dB
Energy Star
Yes
Dimensions
15.2 x 11.2 x 24.1 inches
Weight
43 lbs
Warranty
1 year parts + labor, 3 year sealed system
What We Like
At $260, it is the cheapest 50-pint dehumidifier with a built-in pump
Gree-manufactured compressor — Gree is the world's largest HVAC maker
Internal pump lifts water up to 15 feet vertically
49 dB on low — quieter than the Frigidaire and GE
Auto-restart after power failure remembers your last settings
What Could Be Better
Tosot is less well-known in the US — some people hesitate on brand trust
No WiFi or app control — buttons and a basic LED display only
Pump hose included is short (5 feet) — you may need to buy a longer one
The instruction manual is poorly translated and confusing
Bucket is slightly smaller at 1.5 gallons — fills even faster without drain hose
Our Verdict
The Tosot is a sleeper pick. It is made by Gree, which also manufactures units for other brands. You get a pump dehumidifier for $20 less than the Midea, with slightly lower noise. The tradeoff is a less familiar brand name and a bare-bones feature set. If you want a pump, need to save every dollar, and do not care about WiFi or brand prestige, the Tosot gets the job done.
All five units are Energy Star certified. Real running costs depend on how wet your space is and how many hours per day the compressor runs. We estimate based on 10 hours/day at the national average of $0.16/kWh.
Model
Wattage
Monthly (Low)
Monthly (High)
Annual Est.
Frigidaire FFAD5033W1
560W
$4
$8
$50-95
Tosot 50-Pint
580W
$4
$8
$50-100
Midea MAD50S1QWT
550W
$4
$7
$45-90
GE ADEL50LZ
600W
$4
$9
$50-105
LG PuriCare UD501KOG5
540W
$4
$7
$45-85
*Costs assume 10 hours/day active dehumidifying at $0.16/kWh. Your electricity rate and humidity level will shift these numbers.
Noise Level Comparison
Noise matters if the dehumidifier runs in a living space or bedroom. In a basement you rarely visit, skip this section.
LG PuriCare
44 dB
Quietest — fine for bedrooms
Tosot 50-Pint
49 dB
Comparable to a quiet conversation
Midea MAD50S1QWT
51 dB
Refrigerator hum
Frigidaire FFAD5033W1
52 dB
Standard for this class
GE ADEL50LZ
54 dB
Loudest — basement only
Maintenance Tips
1
Clean the filter every 2 weeks
All five models have a washable mesh filter. Rinse it under the faucet. A clogged filter makes the compressor work harder, burns more energy, and shortens the unit's life.
2
Check the drain hose monthly
Algae and mineral deposits can clog the hose over time. Run a cup of white vinegar through it once a month to prevent buildup.
3
Give it 12 inches of clearance
Dehumidifiers need airflow around the intake and exhaust. Pushing it flush against a wall blocks airflow and can trigger the compressor to short-cycle.
4
Pair it with a hygrometer
Built-in humidity sensors can be off by 3-5%. A $12 standalone hygrometer (like the ThermoPro TP50) tells you the real humidity so you can calibrate your target setting.
Common Questions
What size dehumidifier do I need for my basement?+
For a damp basement under 1,500 square feet, a 30-pint unit works. For a wet basement or any space over 1,500 square feet, get a 50-pint unit. A 50-pint running at medium speed uses barely more electricity than a 30-pint running at max. The 50-pint model gives you headroom and runs quieter because it does not need to work as hard.
Do I need a dehumidifier with a pump?+
If you have a floor drain or utility sink below the dehumidifier, a gravity drain is fine. Route the hose downhill and you are done. But if your drain is across the room, higher than the unit, or if you want to push water out a basement window, you need a pump. A built-in pump saves $60-80 over buying a separate condensate pump.
How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier?+
A 50-pint Energy Star dehumidifier uses about 500-700 watts while actively dehumidifying. In a typical basement running 8-12 hours per day, that is $5-10 per month depending on your electricity rate. The unit cycles on and off once it hits your target humidity. In winter, it may barely run at all.
What humidity level should I set my dehumidifier to?+
Set it between 45% and 55% relative humidity. Below 45% and the air gets uncomfortably dry — your skin cracks and wood furniture can split. Above 60% and mold can grow. The sweet spot for most basements is 50%. If you see condensation on windows or pipes, drop it to 45%.
Can I use a dehumidifier in a crawl space?+
Yes, but get a unit with a pump and continuous drain. You do not want to crawl under the house to empty a bucket. Make sure the crawl space is sealed — vapor barriers on the dirt floor and sealed vents. An unsealed crawl space brings in more moisture than any dehumidifier can handle.
How long do dehumidifiers last?+
Most dehumidifiers last 5 to 10 years with basic maintenance. Clean the filter every 2 weeks during heavy use. Keep the coils dust-free. Run the unit in a spot with at least 12 inches of clearance around it for airflow. The compressor is the part that fails first — the 5-year sealed system warranty on most brands covers this.
The Bottom Line
For most people, the Midea MAD50S1QWT is the best dehumidifier to buy right now. It has a built-in pump, pulls 50 pints per day, and costs $280. Set the target humidity to 50%, route the pump hose to a drain, and stop thinking about it.
If the dehumidifier will run in a room where you spend time, upgrade to the LG PuriCare for the lower noise. If you have a floor drain right next to the unit, save $50 with the Frigidaire.
