The best best 20-pint dehumidifier is the Midea Cube 20 Pint, the only one here that combines a compact cube design with Wi-Fi controls and Alexa voice support. It's the smartest pick for anyone who wants to set and forget their basement humidity without constantly checking the tank.
Want something simpler that still covers 1,500 square feet? The Midea 22 Pint gets you there, as long as you don't need the cube's space-saving shape.
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This guide tells you which 20-pint dehumidifier actually fits your room size, your noise tolerance, and your willingness to empty a bucket. If you're dealing with a flooded crawlspace or a soaking wet slab, you should probably skip this category entirely.
Everything below comes from current Amazon product data, specs, and each model's owner track record, not hands-on lab testing.
Quick Answer: The Best 20-pint Dehumidifier
The Midea Cube 20 Pint is the best all-around pick for most basements and medium rooms. Here's the full lineup ranked:
Thinking about a flooded crawlspace or a fully unfinished basement instead? Jump to Who Should NOT Buy below before you spend anything.
Comparison Table
Here's the lineup at a glance: photo, product, who it's built for, and our /10 score.
Scroll sideways on small screens to see every column.
Midea Cube 20 Pint Dehumidifier Basement: Best Overall for Smart Home Users
#1
MideaWi-Fi, Alexa, compact cube
8.8OUT OF 10
Build Quality9.0
Moisture Removal8.5
Noise Level8.5
Smart Features9.2
This is the smartest 20-pint dehumidifier you can buy right now, period. The Midea Cube packs Wi-Fi connectivity so you can check humidity levels from your phone and adjust settings without walking downstairs. It works with Alexa, meaning you can just say “Alexa, turn on the dehumidifier” and it happens. The cube shape is genuinely clever, it takes up less floor space than a typical round or rectangular unit, and the large 1.5-liter water tank pulls a claimed 20 pints per day from rooms up to 1,500 square feet.
Setup is straightforward. You plug it in, connect to your home Wi-Fi through the Midea app, and set your target humidity. The unit handles the rest. Verified buyer reviews consistently highlight how quiet it runs compared to older compressor models, and the Energy Star rating means it won’t spike your electricity bill. The included drain hose option lets you run continuous drainage if you place it near a floor drain, which is a huge convenience for basement use.
Flaws but not dealbreakers. Some owners report that the app connection can drop occasionally, requiring a quick re-pair. The tank is on the smaller side, so if you’re pulling heavy moisture you might need to empty it daily unless you use the continuous drain. A few users also note that the “smart” features feel more like a bonus than a necessity, and the simpler Midea 22 Pint below covers the same ground for less money.
If you just want reliable moisture removal without the app and the voice commands, the
Midea 22 Pint is a strong alternative that skips the smart stuff but keeps the same core performance.
⚠Sizing: The 1,500 sq ft rating is ideal for a finished basement or a large living room. For an unfinished, damp basement you may want a 30-pint or 50-pint unit instead.
Pros
- ✓Wi-Fi enabled with app control for remote humidity management
- ✓Compact cube design saves valuable floor space
- ✓Alexa voice control works reliably after initial setup
- ✓Energy Star certified for lower operating costs
Cons
- ✕App connection can drop and require re-pairing
- ✕Water tank is on the smaller side for heavy moisture
- ✕Smart features feel like a bonus rather than a necessity
Best for: Homeowners who want app control and voice commands, and who value a compact footprint in a finished basement or living room.
Midea 22 Pint Dehumidifier Basement: Best Runner-Up for Continuous Drainage
#2
MideaContinuous drain, reusable filter
8.6OUT OF 10
Build Quality8.5
Moisture Removal8.8
Noise Level8.3
Smart Features8.8
If you want the same Midea quality without the cube shape, this 22-pint version is your move. It covers the same 1,500 square feet but pulls a slightly higher 22 pints per day, which gives it a small edge in very humid conditions. The continuous drainage setup is simple, just attach the included hose and run it to a floor drain or sump pump. It’s also Energy Star certified, so it sips power even when running for hours. The reusable air filter is a nice touch, you just rinse it under the tap instead of buying replacements.
Wi-Fi and Alexa support are included here too, so you still get app control and voice commands. The design is more traditional, a white rectangular tower that blends into a basement corner without drawing attention. Verified buyer feedback often mentions how easy it is to set up the continuous drain and walk away, which is exactly what you want from a basement dehumidifier.
Flaws but not dealbreakers. A few owners note that the app interface is a bit dated and could be more intuitive. The unit is also slightly larger than the Cube, so it takes up more floor space. And while 22 pints is solid, some users in very humid climates wish they had stepped up to a 30-pint or 50-pint model for faster drying.
If you need even more moisture removal and don’t mind a larger footprint, the
1600 Sq.Ft Compressor Dehumidifier below offers a strong alternative with a 21-pint rating and a budget-friendly price.
⚠Care: Rinse the reusable air filter every 2-4 weeks during heavy use to keep airflow strong and moisture removal efficient.
Pros
- ✓Continuous drainage hose included for hands-off operation
- ✓Reusable washable filter saves money over time
- ✓Energy Star certified for low electricity usage
- ✓Wi-Fi and Alexa support for remote control
Cons
- ✕App interface feels a bit dated and clunky
- ✕Takes up more floor space than the Cube design
- ✕22 pints may feel slow in very humid climates
Best for: Homeowners who want continuous drain capability and Wi-Fi control without the cube form factor, and who prefer a traditional tower design.
1600 Sq.Ft Compressor Dehumidifier Basement: Best Budget Pick for Basements
#3
1600Compressor, timer, budget
8.4OUT OF 10
Build Quality8.3
Moisture Removal8.8
Noise Level8.0
Smart Features8.5
This is the best value play in the 20-pint class, and it doesn’t cut corners where it counts. The 1600 Sq.Ft Compressor Dehumidifier uses a real compressor, not a thermoelectric cooler, so it pulls moisture efficiently even in cooler basement temperatures. It’s rated for up to 21 pints per day and covers 1,600 square feet, which is a touch more than most competitors. The included drain hose lets you set up continuous drainage, and the timer and humidity control give you solid manual flexibility.
Setup is about as simple as it gets. You place it where you need it, set your desired humidity level with the control panel, and let the compressor do the work. The timer function lets you run it for a set number of hours, which is useful if you only want it on during the night or while you’re at work. Verified buyer reviews often mention that it feels sturdy for the price and that the compressor is noticeably effective at pulling moisture from the air.
Flaws but not dealbreakers. It’s not the quietest option here, so you’ll hear the compressor cycle on and off, especially in a small room. The control panel is basic, no Wi-Fi or app support, which limits remote control. Some users also note that the water tank is relatively small, so if you don’t use the continuous drain, you’ll be emptying it frequently in humid conditions.
If noise is a concern and you want a quieter experience, check out the
Trazico 1500 Sq.Ft which is designed specifically for quiet operation in bedrooms and living spaces.
⚠Sizing: Rated for 1,600 sq ft, but in a very damp unfinished basement, you may want to place it in the wettest zone rather than expecting it to dry the whole space.
Pros
- ✓Real compressor for efficient moisture removal in cooler temps
- ✓Covers 1,600 sq ft, slightly more than most rivals
- ✓Timer and humidity control give solid manual flexibility
Cons
- ✕Not the quietest option, compressor cycle is audible
- ✕No Wi-Fi or app support for remote control
- ✕Water tank is small, needs frequent emptying without drain
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want a real compressor and a simple, effective machine without spending on smart features they don’t need.
Trazico 1500 Sq.Ft Dehumidifier Basement: Best Quiet Operation for Bedrooms
#4
TrazicoQuiet, 3 modes, auto defrost
8.7OUT OF 10
Build Quality8.7
Moisture Removal8.5
Noise Level9.2
Smart Features8.4
This is the quietest unit in the lineup, making it the best choice for bedrooms and living spaces. The Trazico 1500 Sq.Ft Dehumidifier operates at a whisper compared to most compressor models, so it won’t disturb your sleep or TV time. It pulls 21 pints per day and covers 1,500 square feet, which is plenty for a master bedroom, a large living room, or a finished basement used as a hangout space. The three operating modes, DEHU, DRY, and CONT, let you tailor the operation to your needs, and the 24-hour timer gives you precise control over run times.
Smart humidity control is a standout feature here. You set your target humidity level and the unit automatically cycles on and off to maintain it, which saves energy and keeps conditions consistent. The auto defrost function is a practical bonus for cooler basement environments, preventing ice buildup on the coils. The included drain hose makes continuous drainage easy if you place it near a floor drain or sink.
Flaws but not dealbreakers. The Trazico brand is less established than Midea or Whirlpool, so long-term reliability data is thinner. Some owners mention that the control panel labels are a bit small and hard to read in low light. The 1.5-liter tank is on the smaller side, so expect to empty it daily in very humid conditions unless you use the continuous drain.
If you want a brand with a longer track record, the
Whirlpool 20-Pint Portable is a simpler, proven option that still runs quietly enough for a bedroom.
⚠Warranty: Trazico offers a standard one-year warranty. Keep your purchase receipt and register the unit online for hassle-free claims if needed.
Pros
- ✓Very quiet operation, ideal for bedrooms and living spaces
- ✓Three operating modes for flexible humidity control
- ✓Auto defrost prevents coil icing in cooler basements
- ✓24-hour timer lets you schedule run times precisely
Cons
- ✕Less established brand, long-term reliability data is limited
- ✕Control panel labels are small and hard to read in dim light
- ✕Tank is small, requires daily emptying in humid conditions
Best for: Anyone who needs a dehumidifier in a bedroom, living room, or finished basement where noise matters and quiet operation is a priority.
21-Pint Dehumidifier Basement Drain Hose 1600: Best Value with Drain Hose
#5
21-Pint3 modes, auto defrost, energy star
8.5OUT OF 10
Build Quality8.5
Moisture Removal8.6
Noise Level8.4
Smart Features8.2
This is the most versatile 20-pint dehumidifier for the money, thanks to three distinct operating modes. The 21-Pint Dehumidifier from the 21-Pint brand offers DEHU mode for standard humidity control, DRY mode for rapid moisture removal, and CONT mode for continuous operation. It covers 1,600 square feet and pulls 21 pints per day, putting it right in the sweet spot for medium-sized basements and large rooms. The included drain hose makes continuous drainage a breeze, and the 24-hour timer lets you schedule operation around your daily routine.
Energy efficiency is a strong point here. The unit is Energy Star certified, so it uses less power than non-certified models, and the auto defrost function protects the compressor in cooler temperatures. The control panel is straightforward with clear buttons and a digital display that shows current humidity levels. Verified buyer reviews often mention that the unit performs well right out of the box and that the three modes genuinely make a difference in how quickly it dries the air.
Flaws but not dealbreakers. The brand is relatively unknown, which means less community support and fewer replacement parts available. Some owners report that the continuous drain hose connection can be a bit fiddly and may leak if not tightened properly. The tank is also on the smaller side, so you’ll rely on the continuous drain for hassle-free operation in humid conditions.
If you prefer a brand you already know and trust, the
Whirlpool 20-Pint Portable is a straightforward alternative with a well-established reputation for reliability.
⚠Care: Check the continuous drain hose connection monthly for tightness to prevent small leaks, especially if the unit is placed on a finished floor.
Pros
- ✓Three operating modes give flexibility for different conditions
- ✓Energy Star certified for lower electricity bills
- ✓Auto defrost protects the compressor in cooler temps
- ✓24-hour timer for precise scheduling
Cons
- ✕Relatively unknown brand with less community support
- ✕Drain hose connection can be fiddly and may leak
- ✕Small tank requires continuous drain for heavy use
Best for: Buyers who want multiple operating modes and energy efficiency at a competitive price, and who plan to use continuous drainage.
Whirlpool 20-Pint Portable Dehumidifier Auto-Shutoff &: Best Simple Portable Option
#6
WhirlpoolAuto-shutoff, timer, portable
7.8OUT OF 10
Build Quality8.2
Moisture Removal7.5
Noise Level7.8
Smart Features7.5
This is the dehumidifier for people who just want something that works, no apps, no modes, no fuss. The Whirlpool 20-Pint Portable is a straightforward, no-nonsense machine from a brand you already trust. It pulls 20 pints per day and features auto-shutoff when the tank is full, plus a timer that lets you run it for a set number of hours. The design is simple and portable, with built-in handles that make it easy to move from room to room as needed.
Setup takes about 30 seconds. You plug it in, set the timer if you want, and let it run. The auto-shutoff is a genuine peace-of-mind feature, especially if you’re using it in a basement or garage where you might forget to check the tank. The unit is relatively compact and lightweight, so it’s easy to carry up and down stairs. Whirlpool’s reputation for appliance reliability is well established, and that counts for a lot when you’re buying something you hope will run for years without issues.
Flaws but not dealbreakers. This is the most basic unit in the lineup, there’s no Wi-Fi, no app, no humidity sensor, and no continuous drain option. The 20-pint rating is the minimum you’ll find in this class, so it’s best suited for mildly humid spaces rather than damp basements. Some owners also mention that the fan noise is noticeable, especially on higher settings.
If you need more power or smart features, the
Midea Cube 20 Pint is a much more capable machine for not much more money, with Wi-Fi and Alexa support built in.
⚠Sizing: This unit is best for small to medium rooms, not large basements. If your space is over 1,000 square feet, consider a higher-capacity model.
Pros
- ✓Trusted Whirlpool brand with established reliability
- ✓Auto-shutoff prevents overflow and gives peace of mind
- ✓Lightweight and portable with built-in handles
- ✓Simple setup with no app or complicated controls
Cons
- ✕No Wi-Fi, app, humidity sensor, or continuous drain
- ✕20-pint rating is the lowest in this class
- ✕Fan noise is noticeable, especially on higher settings
Features
Auto-shutoff, timer
Best for: Someone who wants a simple, reliable dehumidifier from a household name, and doesn’t need smart features or continuous drainage.
1500 Sq.Ft Dehumidifier Basement: Best for Energy Efficiency
#7
150040dB quiet, child lock, dual drain
8.3OUT OF 10
Build Quality8.4
Moisture Removal8.4
Noise Level8.6
Smart Features8.0
This is the quietest compressor model in the list, with a 40dB quiet mode that makes it nearly invisible in a bedroom. The 1500 Sq.Ft Dehumidifier uses a real compressor but manages to keep noise levels impressively low, thanks to sound-dampening design. It pulls 21 pints per day and covers 1,500 square feet, making it a solid match for medium-sized basements and large bedrooms. The dual drainage system gives you both a removable tank and a hose connection, so you can choose whichever works best for your setup.
The child lock is a thoughtful safety feature if you have kids or pets who might bump the controls. Auto defrost protects the compressor in cooler conditions, and the energy-efficient design means it won’t add much to your electricity bill. The control panel is straightforward with a digital display that shows current humidity, and the timer lets you schedule operation. Verified buyer reviews often mention that the 40dB mode is genuinely quiet, comparable to a low fan setting.
Flaws but not dealbreakers. The 40dB quiet mode reduces fan speed, which means it pulls moisture a bit slower than when running at full power. Some owners wish the tank was larger to reduce emptying frequency. The brand is less known than Midea or Whirlpool, so long-term reliability data is thinner.
If you want the quietest possible operation and are willing to trade a bit of moisture removal speed for silence, this is the one. For similar quiet performance with more features, the
Trazico 1500 Sq.Ft is a close alternative with three operating modes.
⚠Safety: The child lock is a nice safety feature for homes with young children. Enable it by holding the lock button for 3 seconds to prevent accidental setting changes.
Pros
- ✓40dB quiet mode is genuinely silent for a compressor model
- ✓Child lock prevents accidental setting changes by kids or pets
- ✓Dual drainage offers both tank and hose options
- ✓Auto defrost protects the compressor in cooler temps
Cons
- ✕Quiet mode reduces fan speed and moisture removal rate
- ✕Tank is on the smaller side for heavy humidity
- ✕Less known brand with thinner long-term reliability data
Drainage
Dual (tank + hose)
Best for: Homeowners who prioritize quiet operation and safety features, and who want a real compressor without the noise of traditional models.
Uthfy 1500 Sq Ft Dehumidifier Basement: Best for Ambient Lighting & Style
#8
UthfyAmbient light, child lock, quiet
8.6OUT OF 10
Build Quality8.6
Moisture Removal8.5
Noise Level8.7
Smart Features8.6
This is the most stylish 20-pint dehumidifier on the list, with a three-color ambient light that adds a nice touch to any room. The Uthfy 1500 Sq Ft Dehumidifier pulls 20 pints per day and covers 1,500 square feet, making it a solid performer for medium-sized basements and large bedrooms. The ambient light can be set to one of three colors, or turned off completely if you prefer a dark room. It’s a small touch, but it makes the unit feel more like a piece of furniture than an appliance.
Quiet operation is a key feature here. The unit runs quietly enough for a bedroom, and the child lock adds safety if you have little ones around. The included drain hose lets you set up continuous drainage, so you don’t have to worry about emptying the tank. The 24-hour timer gives you scheduling flexibility, and the auto defrost function protects the compressor in cooler conditions. Verified buyer reviews often highlight the attractive design and the quiet operation as the main reasons they chose this model over competitors.
Flaws but not dealbreakers. The ambient light is a nice gimmick, but it’s not a must-have feature, and some users might find it distracting. The 20-pint rating is the minimum in this class, so it’s best suited for moderately humid spaces rather than very damp basements. The brand is relatively new, so long-term reliability data is still building.
If you want a more established brand with similar features, the
Midea Cube 20 Pint offers Wi-Fi and Alexa support, which is a more practical upgrade than the ambient light.
⚠Care: The ambient light can be turned off completely via the control panel if you prefer a completely dark room for sleep.
Pros
- ✓Three-color ambient light adds a stylish touch to any room
- ✓Quiet operation suitable for bedrooms and living spaces
- ✓Child lock provides safety for homes with kids
- ✓Included drain hose enables continuous drainage
Cons
- ✕Ambient light is a gimmick, not a must-have feature
- ✕20-pint rating is the minimum for this class
- ✕Relatively new brand with less long-term reliability data
Best for: Style-conscious buyers who want a dehumidifier that looks good and runs quietly, and who appreciate the ambient light feature.
Buying Guide: Coverage, Capacity, Noise, and Smart Features
Picking the right 20-pint dehumidifier comes down to four things: how big your space is, how much moisture you need to remove, how much noise you can tolerate, and whether you want smart controls.
How Much Space Can a 20-Pint Dehumidifier Cover?
All the units here are rated for 1,500 to 1,600 square feet. That's a solid match for a finished basement, a large living room, or a master bedroom suite. But there's a catch.
The rating assumes average humidity levels and a reasonably sealed space. If you have an unfinished basement with open walls and a lot of air leakage, the effective coverage drops. And if you're dealing with a genuinely damp space, like a basement with a musty smell or visible moisture on the walls, a 20-pint unit will struggle.
In those cases, you're better off looking at a 30-pint or 50-pint dehumidifier. The Midea Cube 20 Pint and Midea 22 Pint are both excellent for their class, but they're not designed for heavy-duty dampness.
How Much Moisture Do You Need to Remove?
The "20-pint" rating tells you how much water the unit can pull from the air in 24 hours under ideal conditions. In real-world use, you'll get less. If your basement is only mildly humid, a 20-pint unit is plenty.
If you frequently see condensation on windows or feel a damp chill, you might want the 22-pint Midea 22 Pint or the 21-pint Trazico 1500 Sq.Ft for a small extra margin.
A good rule of thumb: if you're emptying the tank more than once a day, you need a bigger unit. The continuous drain hose option on most models here helps, but it doesn't change the fundamental moisture removal capacity.
How Quiet Should It Be?
Noise level is a big deal if you're putting the dehumidifier in a bedroom, living room, or home office. Compressor-based units all make some noise, but the range varies. The Trazico 1500 Sq.Ft and the 1500 Sq.Ft Dehumidifier Basement with its 40dB quiet mode are the standouts for low noise.
The Whirlpool 20-Pint Portable is noticeably louder, especially on higher fan settings.
If you're putting it in an unfinished basement or a garage, noise matters less. In that case, the 1600 Sq.Ft Compressor Dehumidifier is a perfectly fine choice at a budget-friendly price.
Do You Need Smart Features?
Wi-Fi and app control are nice to have, but not essential. The Midea Cube 20 Pint and Midea 22 Pint both offer Wi-Fi and Alexa support, which lets you check humidity levels and adjust settings from your phone. If you're the type who likes to automate things, that's a real advantage.
If you just want to set it and forget it, a simpler model like the Whirlpool 20-Pint Portable or the 1600 Sq.Ft Compressor Dehumidifier will do the job without the extra cost or complexity.
Who Should NOT Buy a 20-Pint Dehumidifier
A 20-pint dehumidifier is the wrong purchase for a few specific kinds of buyers. Here's who they are, and what to look at instead.
You Need to Dry a Flooded or Very Damp Basement
If you have standing water, visible mold, or a strong musty smell, a 20-pint unit is too small. It will run constantly and barely make a dent. You need a 50-pint or 70-pint dehumidifier, or even a commercial-grade unit for severe cases.
Look for models with built-in pumps so you can drain the water up and out of a basement window or sink.
You Want to Cover a Whole House
A single 20-pint unit can't handle a whole house. It's designed for one room or a single floor. If you want to dehumidify multiple rooms or an entire level, you'll need either multiple units or a larger, more powerful central unit.
A 50-pint dehumidifier is a better starting point for whole-house coverage.
You Need Continuous Operation Without Any Maintenance
If you absolutely hate emptying water tanks, a 20-pint unit with a small tank will annoy you. Even with a continuous drain hose, you still need to clean the filter and check the hose periodically. If you want a truly hands-off solution, consider a larger unit with a built-in pump that can push water up to a drain, or a whole-house dehumidifier installed by an HVAC professional.
Final Verdict
The Midea Cube 20 Pint Dehumidifier Basement is our top pick because it combines smart Wi-Fi controls, a space-saving cube design, and solid 20-pint performance in a package that's easy to live with. It's the best choice for most homeowners with a finished basement or large room.
Want the same Midea quality but prefer a traditional tower design and continuous drainage? Get the Midea 22 Pint Dehumidifier Basement. Need the quietest possible operation for a bedroom?
The Trazico 1500 Sq.Ft Dehumidifier Basement is your best bet. On a tight budget? The 1600 Sq.Ft Compressor Dehumidifier Basement delivers real compressor performance without the extras.
If you're still unsure whether a 20-pint unit is right for your space, go back to the Who Should NOT Buy section above. It's better to buy the right size the first time than to struggle with a unit that's too small.
FAQ
What's the best 20-pint dehumidifier overall?
The Midea Cube 20 Pint Dehumidifier Basement is our top pick. It offers Wi-Fi and Alexa support, a compact cube design, and solid 20-pint performance for rooms up to 1,500 square feet.
How many square feet does a 20-pint dehumidifier cover?
Most 20-pint dehumidifiers cover 1,500 to 1,600 square feet under average humidity conditions. Actual coverage depends on how damp the space is and how well sealed it is.
Can a 20-pint dehumidifier handle a very damp basement?
Not really. If you have visible moisture, a musty smell, or condensation on walls, you need a 30-pint or 50-pint unit. A 20-pint model is best for moderately humid finished basements and large rooms.
Are 20-pint dehumidifiers energy efficient?
Most modern 20-pint dehumidifiers are Energy Star certified, which means they use less electricity than non-certified models. The Midea Cube and Midea 22 Pint are both Energy Star rated.
How often do I need to empty the tank on a 20-pint dehumidifier?
It depends on the humidity level. In a moderately humid space, you might empty the tank every 1 to 2 days. In very humid conditions, you may need to empty it daily.
Using the continuous drain hose eliminates the need to empty the tank.
Can I use a 20-pint dehumidifier in a bedroom?
Yes, as long as you choose a quiet model. The Trazico 1500 Sq.Ft and the 1500 Sq.Ft Dehumidifier Basement with 40dB quiet mode are both good choices for bedrooms. Avoid the Whirlpool 20-Pint Portable if noise is a concern.
What's the difference between 20-pint and 22-pint dehumidifiers?
The pint rating tells you how much water the unit can remove in 24 hours. A 22-pint unit removes slightly more moisture than a 20-pint unit, which can make a small difference in very humid conditions. In practice, the difference is minor.
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