5 Best Hygrometers (2023 Guide)

In This Review: Our Top Picks | Best Overall | Best Display | Best Smart | Most Versatile | Most Portable | Buying Guide | How to Measure Humidity | Hygrometer FAQ | Our Methodology

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.

In this buying guide, we recommend several top-rated models and explore the key features to consider when choosing the best hygrometer, such as accuracy, display options, smart features, and additional functionalities to help you make an informed decision.

Top 5 Hygrometers

• Best Hygrometer Overall: ThermoPro TP49 Digital Hygrometer
• Best Display: ThermoPro TP55 Jumbo Touchscreen Hygrometer
• Best Smart Features: Govee Bluetooth Digital Hygrometer Set
• Most Versatile: AcuRite 00613 Digital Hygrometer
• Most Portable: JEDEW Two-Pack Mini Hygrometers

Best Hygrometer Overall: ThermoPro TP49 Digital Hygrometer

Pros and Cons

✔ 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 Customers Are Saying

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

Pros and Cons

✔ 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 Customers Are Saying

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

✔ 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 Customers Are Saying

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.

Most Versatile Hygrometer: 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 Customers Are Saying

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

✔ 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 Customers Are Saying

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.

Hygrometer Buying Guide

Before buying, consider the various types of hygrometers, their design, and how their specifications impact performance and user experience.

Here are four factors to think about before making a purchase.

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 FAQ

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?

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 Encyclopaedia 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.

Questions or Comments?

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