A hygrometer is a monitoring device that measures humidity levels in the air and a location’s ambient temperature. It can be a handy instrument for maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor environment or for monitoring the humidity levels of plants or other items.
A single electric hygrometer typically costs between $10–25, but some models with more extensive features may slightly exceed that amount. To help you find the best hygrometer for you, The This Old House team researched the top-end hygrometers on the market. Overall, our top choice is the ThermoPro TP49 Digital Hygrometer, which features a built-in battery that lasts 18 months and displays both humidity and temperature levels. Read our guide below for more of our top picks.
Top 7 Hygrometers
- ThermoPro TP49 Digital Hygrometer: Best Hygrometer Overall
- ThermoPro TP55 Jumbo Touchscreen Hygrometer: Best Hygrometer Display
- Govee Bluetooth Digital Hygrometer Set: Best Smart Hygrometer
- AcuRite 00613 Digital Hygrometer: Most Versatile Hygrometer
- JEDEW Two-Pack Mini Hygrometers: Most Portable Hygrometer
- Cigar Oasis Hygrometer and Humidity Sensor: Best for Cigars
- Pgzsy 12 Pack Digital Thermometer and Hygrometer: Best Pack
Compare Top Hygrometers
| Product | Humidity Range | Temp Range | Mount Options | Power Source | Width x Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ThermoPro TP49 Digital HygrometerCheck Price | 10%–99% | -58°F–158°F | Magnetic, tabletop, wall | AAA battery (x1) | 2.6 x 2.2 inches |
ThermoPro TP55 Jumbo Touchscreen HygrometerCheck Price | 10%–99% | -58°F–158°F | Magnetic, tabletop, wall | AA battery (x2) | 3.3 x 4.3 inches |
Govee Bluetooth Digital Hygrometer SetCheck Price | 0%–99% | -4°F–140°F | Adhesive, tabletop | CR2430 (x1) | 2 x 2 inches |
AcuRite 00613 Digital HygrometerCheck Price | 16%–98% | 32°F–122°F | Clip, magnetic, tabletop, wall | AA battery (x1) | 3 x 2.5 inches |
JEDEW Two-Pack Mini HygrometersCheck Price | 10%–99% | 32°F–158°F | Adhesive | LR44 (x1) | 1.7 x 1.7 inches |
Cigar Oasis Hygrometer and Humidity SensorCheck Price | 0-99% | N/A | Wall | Analog | 2.3 x 2.3 inches |
Pgzsy 12 Pack Digital Thermometer and HygrometerCheck Price | 10%-99% | -58°F–158°F | Tabletop | LR44 (x2) for each unit | 1.9 x 1.1 inches |
Best Hygrometer Overall
ThermoPro TP49 Digital Hygrometer
This hygrometer features a humidity comfort indicator that lets you know if your home’s relative humidity is comfortable. In addition, it displays temperature readings in Celsius or Fahrenheit and updates readings every 10 seconds. The TP49’s built-in battery also has an 18-month life for long-lasting use.
Pros and Cons of ThermoPro TP49 Digital Hygrometer
- 10-second refresh rate
- LCD screen displays humidity, temperature, and dry/comfort/wet indicator
- Battery life rated to 18 months
- Humidity readings are only accurate within 2%–3%
- Not ideal for ultra-humid environments, such as reptile terrariums
What People Are Saying About The ThermoPro TP49 Digital Hygrometer
We culled through thousands of buyer reviews for the ThermoPro TP49. Numerous positive reviews praised the unit’s durability, compact design, and relatively sizable, easy-to-read LCD screen.
We also came across some critical reviews. The most common complaints we found were that the TP49’s humidity gauge accuracy could be off by several percentage points—one buyer claimed their unit was off by up to 11%.
Best Hygrometer Display
ThermoPro TP55 Jumbo Touchscreen Hygrometer
The TP55 touchscreen hygrometer refreshes its temperature and humidity readings every 10 seconds. It has a temperature range between -58 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity range from 10% to 99%. We especially like that its backlight turns off after 15 seconds of inactivity to preserve the battery life.
Pros and Cons of ThermoPro TP55 Jumbo Touchscreen Hygrometer
- Features oversized LCD touchscreen and backlit display
- Displays humidity, temperature, and dry/comfort/wet indicator
- Includes magnetic, tabletop, and wall mounting options
- Requires two AA batteries
- Accuracy may degrade after several years of use
What People Are Saying About The ThermoPro TP55 Jumbo Touchscreen Hygrometer
Our review of verified-buyer feedback revealed that buyers particularly liked the TP55’s touchscreen interface and large digital numbers because they were easy to see from a sizable distance. However, we also came across some critical reviews. In one case, a customer claimed that the unit failed to give accurate humidity and temperature readings after five years of use. In another instance, a customer said the AA batteries only lasted 10 months.
Best Smart Hygrometer
Govee Bluetooth Digital Hygrometer Set
This pair of Swiss-engineered hygrometers features lightweight and durable plastic. They read temperatures between -4 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels between 0% and 99%. Additionally, Govee includes two years of cloud storage for your data with each purchase.
Pros and Cons of Govee Bluetooth Digital Hygrometer Set
- Features Bluetooth technology with 262-foot range
- Displays humidity, temperature, and dry/comfort/wet indicator
- Offers smart alerts and two years of cloud-based data storage
- Battery life only rated for 3–4 months
- Some pairs display conflicting information
What People Are Saying About The Govee Bluetooth Digital Hygrometer Set
Per our research, customers were especially pleased with the Govee hygrometers’ smart capabilities, which allow users to differentiate between separate units in the app. Several customers also applauded Govee’s customer service for its quick response time and effective solutions. However, we learned that a handful of customers experienced readout inconsistencies between the pair, while others were disappointed in the battery life.
Most Versatile Hygrometer
AcuRite 00613 Digital Hygrometer
This tabletop hygrometer has numerous placement options with its built-in clip, kickstand, magnet, and keyhole hanger. It also has a humidity sensor that lets you know if your indoor humidity levels are low, normal, or high. Additionally, it switches to Fahrenheit or Celsius readings at the touch of a button.
Pros and Cons of AcuRite 00613 Digital Hygrometer
- Features LCD touchscreen and backlit display
- Displays humidity, temperature, and air quality indicator
- Retains 24-hour records of high and low readings
- Built-in clip mount is weak and prone to breaking
- Humidity readings may be less accurate than advertised
What People Are Saying About The AcuRite 00613 Digital Hygrometer
We found thousands of positive verified buyer reviews for the AcuRite thermometer-hygrometer. Most reviewers praised the unit for its intuitive interface, long battery life, and ability to record high and low metrics over 24 hours—ideal for reptile owners. On the other hand, the most helpful critical reviews we found complained about the quality of the back clip mount and found that while the temperature readings were highly accurate, the humidity readings were typically off by more than 5%.
Most Portable Hygrometer
JEDEW Two-Pack Mini Hygrometers
These battery-powered hygrometers come with spare batteries for future replacements. They weigh just 1.2 ounces and display temperature readings in Fahrenheit or Celsius. These hygrometers refresh their humidity and temperature readings every 10 seconds to provide the most accurate data.
Pros and Cons of JEDEW Two-Pack Mini Hygrometers
- Has a 10-second refresh rate
- Displays relative humidity and temperature
- Works well in numerous settings—home, car, doghouse, greenhouse, terrarium, and more
- Simple display is difficult to read in dim lighting
- Accuracy of some units may require verification
What People Are Saying About The JEDEW Two-Pack Mini Hygrometers
According to our buyer research, thousands of reviewers praised this simple two-pack for its ease of use, exceptional portability, and ability to provide adequate humidity and temperature readings in various settings, including greenhouses and terrariums. However, our evaluation of critical feedback revealed that a minority of buyers received uncalibrated units, and several found that the display was too dark and, therefore, difficult to read.
Best for Cigars
Cigar Oasis Hygrometer and Humidity Sensor
We found that customers who were pleased with this hygrometer particularly liked that it produced accurate humidity readings that were perfect for cigars, and had a stylish design that could be displayed. However, we did note that some customers found the calibration method to be challenging, and others claimed the numbers were difficult to read.
Pros and Cons of Cigar Oasis Hygrometer and Humidity Sensor
- Has a durable, resistant design
- Can be mounted on your wall
- Has an elegant design that fits in any room in your home
- Has an analog display which is more difficult to read
- Some users found it difficult to calibrate
What People Are Saying About The Cigar Oasis Hygrometer and Humidity Sensor
We found that customers who were pleased with this hygrometer particularly liked that it produced accurate humidity readings that were perfect for cigars, and had a stylish design. That could be displayed. However, we did note that some customers found the calibration method to be challenging, and others claimed the numbers were difficult to read.
Best Pack
Pgzsy 12 Pack Digital Thermometer and Hygrometer
If you need to use several hygrometers at once to measure the humidity levels of various plants or other materials, this pack comes with 12 digital-display hygrometers that can be used at once. These devices measure both the humidity and the temperature on one convenient display so you can quickly and accurately take readings.
Pros and Cons of Pgzsy 12 Pack Digital Thermometer and Hygrometer
- Has a humidity range of 10%-99% RH
- Has an easy to read digital display
- Can be simply placed on a table for setup
- Has a wider humidity accuracy range (5 degrees) than some other hygrometers
- Not the right purchase for those only looking for a single unit
What People Are Saying About The Pgzsy 12 Pack Digital Thermometer and Hygrometer
Our team found that customers who were satisfied with their purchase of this product liked how easy they were to set up and how it clearly displayed results on the LCD screen. Others raved about their value, with a relatively cheap price for a pack of 12. However, there were some reviewers who found that these hygrometers were often inaccurate, and a few customers had issues with some of the devices not working properly.
What Do You Need to Know When Buying a Hygrometer?
While hygrometers all perform the same basic function, they vary significantly in terms of their make and model. For example, analog hygrometers may present a more classic design than electric models but typically provide less information and may be less accurate. You should also consider factors such as the notification system, power sources, and weather readings. Read our buying guide below for more information about finding the best hygrometer.
Analog vs. Digital Hygrometers
Hygrometers come in both digital display and analog formats. Digital electrical hygrometers have built-in screens that display humidity readings in numbers. They typically provide more information than their non-digital counterparts, too.
Our team also learned that newer models often come with smart home integration, data logging, a built-in wireless thermometer, and a touchscreen user interface—though they’re typically more expensive.
While digital devices are more popular, some homeowners select analog models due to their easy-to-read display and relatively low maintenance—most mechanical hygrometers don’t need to be calibrated often to provide accurate readings.
Notifications
Some hygrometers offer push notifications that help homeowners quickly identify spikes in indoor temperatures and humidity levels. For example, the Govee Bluetooth Digital Hygrometer connects to your smartphone and sends alerts when levels break a preset range.
Without Wi-Fi connectivity and remote monitoring, homeowners must periodically check their hygrometers to ensure that readings meet their standards.
Power Sources
While analog hygrometers don’t require power, digital hygrometers do. Many models are powered by a single, changeable battery, which makes them highly portable.
Weather Readings
Many indoor hygrometers display additional environmental readings on their LCD screens. For example, the ThermoPro TP55 Jumbo Touchscreen Hygrometer displays the indoor temperature and humidity, as well as low and high records for that day.
Other Ways To Measure Humidity
Hygrometers are an excellent way to measure humidity and temperature levels, but there are also other ways to track such information, including devices you may already own, such as:
- HVAC System Monitors: Some heating, ventilation, and HVAC systems have integrated humidity sensors that monitor and display humidity levels. These systems may also offer control options to adjust the humidity levels in your home.
- Indoor Plants: Certain plants are sensitive to humidity levels and can serve as natural indicators. For example, some species of ferns or peace lilies may show signs of drooping or browning when the air is too dry. While not as precise as a dedicated measuring device, observing the condition of your indoor plants can give you a general sense of the current humidity levels in your home.
- Indoor Weather Stations: An indoor weather station is a comprehensive device that typically includes a hygrometer along with other sensors like a thermometer and barometer. These devices can display real-time humidity levels and other weather-related information.
- Smart Home Devices: Many smart home devices, such as smart thermostats or home assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, come with built-in sensors that have the ability to measure and display humidity levels. They can provide humidity information with a voice command or display the information on your smartphone.
- Weather Websites and Apps: Online weather websites and mobile applications often provide current humidity levels based on local weather stations. While these readings may not be specific to your home, they can still give you a general idea of the humidity in your area.
Hygrometer FAQs
What humidity level is ideal for indoor environments?
To keep your indoor area healthy and comfortable, ensure that your hygrometer monitors around 45% humidity, Air Experts tells us.
If you struggle to keep the humidity levels lower than 50%, consider a dehumidifier, as mold, bacteria, and more hazards can arise when humidity is too high.
Conversely, if your home’s humidity levels fall below 30%, consider investing in a humidifier and air purifier, as overly dry environments can create any number of respiratory, skin, and other health issues.
What does a humidity reading mean?
Humidity is a measurement of the amount of moisture the air is holding. For example, if the humidity meter is at 33%, the air holds about a third of the moisture it can at that given temperature.
How does temperature impact humidity?
Add FAQ content Warm air can hold more moisture, so the summer months are typically more humid than the winter months.
How does a hygrometer work?
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, hygrometers measure humidity levels using various principles, such as the expansion and contraction of organic substances like goldbeater’s skin or human hair in response to humidity changes.
Are hygrometers accurate?
The accuracy of hygrometers can vary depending on the type and quality of the device. Digital hygrometers are generally considered more accurate than analog ones. It’s important to choose a hygrometer with a high level of accuracy for precise humidity monitoring.
Can hygrometers measure both humidity and temperature?
Yes, many hygrometers measure both humidity and temperature. In addition, these devices often provide dual readings, allowing you to gauge the ambient temperature in addition to humidity.
As you’ve probably noticed, we only included hygrometers with thermometer functionality in our product review section.
How We Selected the Best Hygrometers
To provide our readers with the best hygrometer recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial research: Our research process began by generating a list of hygrometers with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is critical to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final product selection: We then pared the list down further by comparing each product’s benefits and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.