A hygrometer is a device that measures the humidity level in the air and the surrounding temperature. This device can help you maintain a comfortable and healthy environment inside your home, or monitor conditions where consistent humidity matters, like in greenhouses and wine cellars.
Most digital hygrometers run between $10 and $25, though models with advanced features may cost more. To help you find the right option, our team researched the best hygrometers on Amazon and compared their accuracy, features, ease of use, and value.
Our Top 5 Hygrometers
Here’s our list of top hygrometer picks available on Amazon:
- TempPro TP49 Digital Hygrometer: Best Overall
- TempPro TP55 Digital Hygrometer: Best Display
- AcuRite Digital Hygrometer: Most Versatile
- JEDEW Two-Pack Mini Hygrometers: Most Portable
- Pygzy 12-Pack Digital Hygrometers: Best Pack
Compare Our Top Hygrometer Picks
Ready to find the right hygrometer for your needs? Compare our top picks below based on important features like humidity and temp ranges and power source.
| Product | Humidity Range | Temp Range | Mount Options | Power Source | Width x Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TempPro TP49 Digital HygrometerCheck Price | 10%–99% | -58°F–158°F | Magnetic, tabletop, wall | AAA battery (x1) | 2.6 x 2.2 inches |
TempPro TP55 Digital HygrometerCheck Price | 10%–99% | -58°F–158°F | Magnetic, tabletop, wall | AA battery (x2) | 3.3 x 4.3 inches |
AcuRite 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 |
Pygzy 12-Pack Digital HygrometersCheck Price | 10%-99% | -58°F–158°F | Tabletop | LR44 (x2) for each unit | 1.9 x 1.1 inches |
Our Reviews of the Best Hygrometers
We looked at each hygrometer based on the features that matter most when shopping. Learn more about our top picks below.
Best Overall
TempPro TP49 Digital Hygrometer
Good for: Easy temperature and humidity readings
This hygrometer features a humidity comfort indicator that lets you know if your home’s relative humidity is comfortable. Plus, it displays temperature readings in Celsius or Fahrenheit and updates readings every 10 seconds. The device’s built-in battery also has an 18-month life for long-lasting use.
Pros and Cons of TempPro 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
Key Features
- 18-month battery life
- Comfort indicator with face icons
- Three mounting options
- Updates readings every 10 seconds
What People Are Saying About The TempPro TP49 Digital Hygrometer
Positive reviews praise the unit’s durability, compact design, and relatively large liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. The most common complaint we found was that the device’s humidity gauge was off by several percentage points. One buyer claimed their unit was off by up to 11%.
Best Display
TempPro TP55 Digital Hygrometer
Good for: Detailed humidity and temperature readings
The TP55 touchscreen hygrometer refreshes its temperature and humidity readings every 10 seconds. It has a temperature range of -58–158 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity range of 10%–99%. We especially like that its backlight turns off after 15 seconds of inactivity to preserve the battery life.
Pros and Cons of TempPro TP55 Digital 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
Key Features
- 4-inch touchscreen with backlight
- 10-second refresh rate
- ±1 degree Fahrenheit accuracy
- Magnetic, tabletop, and wall mounting installation
What People Are Saying About The TempPro TP55 Digital Hygrometer
Buyers particularly like the device’s touchscreen interface and large digital numbers, which they describe as easy to see from a sizable distance. However, some reviews mention issues with the hygrometer’s lifespan. One customer said 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.
Most Versatile
AcuRite Digital Hygrometer
Good for: Reptile owners
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 whether your indoor humidity is low, normal, or high. Additionally, it switches to Fahrenheit or Celsius readings at the touch of a button.
Pros and Cons of AcuRite 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
Key Features
- Easy-read display
- Humidity level indicator icons
- Measures from 32–122 degrees Fahrenheit (or 0–50 degrees Celsius)
- Tabletop stand and clip included
What People Are Saying About The AcuRite Digital Hygrometer
We found thousands of positive reviews for the AcuRite hygrometer. Most reviewers praise the unit for its intuitive interface, long battery life, and ability to record high and low readings over 24 hours, making it ideal for reptile owners. On the other hand, some customers 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
JEDEW Two-Pack Mini Hygrometers
Good for: Affordable indoor humidity readings
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
Key Features
- Displays both Fahrenheit and Celsius readings
- Includes backup batteries
- Updates readings every 10 seconds
- Weighs just 40 grams per unit
What People Are Saying About The JEDEW Two-Pack Mini Hygrometers
Most reviewers praise this simple two-pack for its ease of use, exceptional portability, and ability to deliver accurate humidity and temperature readings across various settings, including greenhouses and terrariums. However, some buyers said they received uncalibrated units. Several others reported that the display was too dark and difficult to read.
Best Pack
Pygzy 12-Pack Digital Hygrometers
Good for: Spaces that require multiple hygrometers
If you need to measure humidity levels around various plants or in multiple rooms, this pack includes 12 digital-display hygrometers you can use simultaneously. These devices measure both humidity and temperature on a single convenient display, so you can quickly and accurately take readings. Note that this hygrometer only measures temperatures in Fahrenheit.
Pros and Cons of Pygzy 12-Pack Digital Hygrometers
- 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
Key Features
- Comes in a 12-pack for multi-room use
- LCD display
- Temperature readings range from -58–158 degrees Fahrenheit
- Two-in-one meter with built-in measurement probe
What People Are Saying About The Pygzy 12-Pack Digital Hygrometers
Satisfied customers liked how easy this product was to set up and how clearly it displayed results on the LCD screen. Others raved about the value, with a relatively low price for a pack of 12 units. However, some reviewers found these hygrometers often inaccurate, and a few customers reported issues with devices not working properly.
Hygrometer Buying Guide
While all hygrometers perform the same basic function, they can vary 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 provide less accurate readings. When shopping for a hygrometer, it’s also important to think about the notification system, power sources, and weather readings.
Read our buying guide below for more information about finding the best hygrometer for your home.
Digital vs. Analog 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.
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 opt for analog models for their easy-to-read displays and relatively low maintenance. Most mechanical hygrometers don’t need frequent calibration to provide accurate readings.
Pro Tip
- Setting the humidity level too high in a well-insulated home can lead to serious problems. “You can have mold if you put too much humidity in there,” a This Old House expert warned on the show. A reliable hygrometer can help you spot these issues before they cause damage.
Weather Readings
Many indoor hygrometers display additional environmental readings on their LCD screens. For example, the TempPro TP55 hygrometer displays the indoor temperature and humidity, as well as the day’s low and high readings.
Pro Tip
- Tom Silva, the general contractor for This Old House, notes that humidity targets should shift with the seasons. On the coldest days of winter, excessive indoor humidity can cause condensation on cold window surfaces, potentially leading to water damage. This makes a hygrometer especially valuable during seasons when you need to balance indoor comfort against the risk of condensation.
Extra Features
Some hygrometers offer push notifications that can help homeowners quickly identify spikes in indoor temperature and humidity. Without Wi-Fi connectivity and remote monitoring, homeowners must periodically check their hygrometers to make sure that readings meet their comfort standards.
Other Ways To Measure Humidity Inside Your Home
Hygrometers offer an easy way to measure humidity and temperature levels, but you may already own other devices that track this kind of information. To help you maximize the tools in your house, we put together a list of ways to measure humidity indoors.
- HVAC system monitors: Some HVAC systems have integrated humidity sensors that monitor and display indoor humidity levels, plus control options for adjustments.
- Indoor plants: Certain plants are sensitive to humidity and can serve as natural indicators when levels change. For example, some fern species or peace lilies may droop or turn brown when the air is too dry.
- Indoor weather stations: An indoor weather station is a comprehensive device that typically includes a hygrometer and other sensors, like a thermometer and a barometer. These devices can display real-time humidity levels and other weather-related information.
- Smart home devices: Many smart home devices, like smart thermostats and home assistants, come with built-in sensors that can measure and display humidity levels.
- Weather websites and apps: For humidity levels outside your home, online weather websites and mobile apps often provide current readings from local weather stations.
Pro Tip
- Richard Trethewey, This Old House’s plumbing and heating expert, recommends starting your home’s target humidity at around 35%. He notes that a humidistat will sense the humidity level in your house and adjust accordingly, making it easier to find your comfort zone.
FAQs About Hygrometers
What humidity level is ideal for indoor environments?
To keep your home healthy and comfortable, make sure your hygrometer monitors around 45% humidity, according to Air Experts. If you struggle to keep humidity below 50% inside your home, consider a dehumidifier to help prevent mold, bacteria, and other hazards. On the other hand, if your home’s humidity falls below 30%, consider investing in a humidifier and an air purifier, as overly dry environments can cause a range of respiratory, skin, and other health issues.
What does a humidity reading mean?
Humidity is a measure of the amount of moisture the air holds. For example, if the humidity meter reads 33%, the air holds about a third of the moisture it can at that temperature.
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 versions. It’s important to choose a hygrometer with high accuracy for precise humidity monitoring.
Can hygrometers measure both humidity and temperature?
Yes, many hygrometers measure both humidity and temperature. These devices often provide dual readings, allowing you to gauge the ambient temperature and humidity.
How We Selected the Best Hygrometers
To provide our readers with the best possible hygrometer recommendations, we rely on several key sources to guide our selection process.
- Initial research: Our research began by generating a list of hygrometers with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
- Expert insights: Over the years, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is critical to producing accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team reviewed and watched 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 DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice through 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.
