Controlling a poor level of humidity in a building, room, or enclosed space can drastically impact your health, disrupt your storage conditions, or destroy expensive possessions. Are you needing to monitor your home’s humidity levels? Maybe you have to take care of some animals at your home? Perhaps you operate a greenhouse? Or maybe you want to ensure your cigars are kept in pristine condition 24/7?
Whatever your reason is for maintaining humidity levels in your home, making sure you can measure the relative humidity is essential. Your best bet for measuring humidity is by using a hygrometer.
What Is a Hygrometer?
A hygrometer is a device that measures the level of humidity in the atmosphere. Also known as a humidity meter or humidity gauge, hygrometers measure the amount of moisture in a specific environment. It does this by calculating changes in pressure and temperature.
There are a number of different types of hygrometers, including digital (also known as electrical) hygrometers, mechanical hygrometers, psychrometers, and dew point hygrometers. Digital hygrometers are the most commonly used hygrometers. They’re most often used in greenhouses, industrial premises, and other outdoor environments, for fast and accurate humidity readings. There are a few different types of personal and indoor-use humidity meters that are used for keeping food storage areas moisture-free, monitoring wine cellars, and preserving cigars.
In this article, we’ll take you through the best hygrometer on the market. We’ve analyzed the top hygrometers available to give you an accurate picture of what one is best for you. We’ve also included a buyer’s guide at the bottom to paint a picture of what you should expect from the best hygrometer today.
Quick Summary - Best Buy Hygrometers
Best Hygrometer Reviews
Here is our list of the best hygrometers in the industry. We’ve researched the best hygrometer available today, so we can offer you our recommendations on which one to pick. Not every hygrometer is created equal, and they can serve different functions, so make sure you read each one to see which one is the best fit for you.
Let’s dive into the best hygrometer reviews.
First up on our list is the AcuRite 00613 Digital Hygrometer & Indoor Thermometer. The AcuRite is one of the most popular digital hygrometers available today, and for good reason. Not only is it easy on the budget, but it’s very accurate.
What we like?
This all-in-one digital hygrometer and thermometer is compact, accurate, and user-friendly. It features an easy-to-read display that allows you to quickly access temperature and humidity readings whenever you want.
You can place it practically anywhere, as it has a flat stand to place on the counter or table, a clip to attach to a vertical surface, and a magnet to easily place it on a metal surface like your fridge.
One cool feature on this hygrometer is the daily record report. You can quickly view the high and low humidity and temperature levels from the day. Plus, you can easily match your humidity levels against high, low, or ideal conditions, making it one of the best hygrometers available.
What We Don’t Like
There wasn’t much to complain about with the AcuRite hygrometer. The only real downsides were that it doesn’t come with instructions, so you’ll have to play around with it a bit to figure out how to use all of its functions. Plus, the magnet can slip off your fridge easily since it’s attached to the clip, not the hygrometer itself.
PROS
CONS
- Very accurate
- Budget friendly
- All-in-one thermometer & hygrometer
- Flat stand, clip, and magnet
- Daily humidity & temperature readings
- Doesn’t include instructions
- Magnet can sometimes slip off vertical metal surfaces like a fridge
- No backlight
The SMARTRO SC42 is a digital hygrometer designed to monitor indoor temperature and humidity levels accurately. It features a large LCD display, data logging capabilities, and multiple mounting options.
What we like?
The SMARTRO SC42 digital hygrometer hits the mark in several areas. Firstly, its accuracy stands out. It consistently delivers precise readings for both temperature and humidity, ensuring you have a reliable understanding of your indoor environment.
Another great feature is its large, easy-to-read display. The numbers are clear and visible from a distance, making it incredibly convenient to keep an eye on temperature and humidity levels without squinting or getting closer to the device.
We also appreciate the versatility in mounting options. Whether you want to place it on a table, mount it on a wall, or attach it to a metal surface using its built-in magnet, this hygrometer offers adaptable placement choices to suit your preferences.
The inclusion of data logging is a big plus. This feature allows you to track temperature and humidity trends over time, enabling adjustments for a more comfortable environment. And let’s not forget the impressive battery life, meaning fewer interruptions for battery changes.
What We Don’t Like
Despite its strengths, the SMARTRO SC42 does have a couple of minor downsides. One notable drawback is the absence of a backlight on the display. While the numbers are clear, it can be challenging to read them in low-light conditions or at night without additional lighting.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a hygrometer with extra bells and whistles beyond measuring temperature and humidity, this might not be the ideal choice. It performs its primary functions admirably but lacks additional features that some users might desire.
PROS
CONS
Accurate Readings
Large Display
Multiple Mounting Options
Data Logging
Battery Life
No Backlight
Limited Additional Features
At number 3 on our list, we have the ThermoPro TP55 Digital Hygrometer Indoor Thermometer Humidity Gauge with Jumbo Touchscreen and Backlight Temperature Humidity Monitor. As you can tell by the name, this digital hygrometer has a touchscreen, making it very user-friendly.
What we like?
With advancements in technology, it seems every year something else upgrades to touchscreen capabilities. This is the biggest claim to fame of the ThermoPro, making it one of the best hygrometers on the market for tech-savvy individuals.
This hygrometer also is much bigger than typical hygrometer displays. It features a 4-inch LCD display while most hygrometer displays average 1.7 inches from corner to corner. This makes it very easy to read, which is great if you have any trouble reading books or screens up close.
One unique feature of this hygrometer is the trend display so you can adjust your environment ahead of time.
You can place it practically anywhere, as it has a flat stand to place on the counter or table, a clip to attach to a vertical surface, and a magnet to easily place it on a metal surface like your fridge.
This hygrometer features a daily record report. You can quickly view the high and low humidity and temperature levels from the day. Plus, you can easily match your humidity levels against high, low, or ideal conditions, making it one of the best hygrometers available.
What We Don’t Like
The ThermoPro is an overall great hygrometer. There were only 2 downsides to the device. For one, the glue on the magnets can make them fall right off the device, making it unable to stay attached to your fridge. And two, the hygrometer doesn’t display time, which isn’t the biggest problem, but most modern hygrometers have that functionality.
PROS
CONS
- Touchscreen
- Large 4 inch screen
- 3 Year Warranty
- Backlight for dim lit areas
- Records temperature every 10 seconds
- Trend display
- Multiple mounting options
- Comes with 2 x AAA batteries
- Weak glue on magnets can make them come off
- Doesn’t display the time
Fourth on our list is the Temp Stick Wireless Remote Temperature & Humidity Sensor. If you’re needing a sophisticated, smart hygrometer for commercial use, or simply need to ensure you have a top-of-the-line hygrometer at home, then this is it. This hygrometer is by no means cheap, but it sure does have a few bells and whistles.
What we like?
This hygrometer is very futuristic. It’s a remote, wifi-connected temperature and humidity monitor. While most hygrometers can only be read from the device, you can read your data from anywhere right from your smartphone.
The Temp Stick comes with a free downloadable app for your smartphone that lets you view the temperature and humidity levels at any time.
Plus, the device comes with a 1-year battery life, so you don’t have to keep switching out batteries every few months. It also comes with a 5-year warranty, which is a nice bonus.
Beyond the ability to read data at any time from your phone, the most sophisticated feature is the ability to view historical humidity and temperature data charts right from your phone. It also can send text or email alerts if the humidity or temperature gets too high or low. You’ll also get alerts with low battery or wifi connection loss.
What We Don’t Like
It’s expensive. Compared to the average hygrometer, it’s about 10 times the price. If you desperately need to ensure your humidity levels are accurate and want to be able to read them at any time from your smartphone, then it may be worth the money.
Another downside to consider is that it isn’t compatible with enterprise wifi, which could be challenging if your workplace runs on that type of wifi.
PROS
CONS
- Remote readings from your smartphone
- Smart hygrometer & thermometer
- Connects to wifi
- 1 year battery life
- High or low humidity alerts
- Connects to your tablet or PC
- Very expensive. About 10 times the average hygrometer price
- Not compatible with enterprise wifi
Next up on our list is another model from AcuRite. The AcuRite Monitor for Greenhouse, Home or Office is another impressive hygrometer available on the market today. It’s very similar to the AcuRite model at number one, but with a few upgrades.
What we like?
One of the upgrades this AcuRite hygrometer has on the first model is the humidity level indicator. While the earlier model has a humidity level indicator, this one is much more user-friendly. This indicator is color-coded, making it very easy to see when the humidity is in or out of the proper range.
Another advantage of this digital hygrometer is that it can be manually calibrated. This means you’ll be able to increase the accuracy of the hygrometer even better than the model at number one.
What We Don’t Like
While this digital hygrometer is an upgrade on the AcuRite at number one, it has two drawbacks. For one, there isn’t a backlight which can be annoying, especially when you’re trying to fumble over to your hygrometer at night.
Another downside is that it doesn’t show the numbers to the tenth decimal. It only shows them as whole numbers. So if you are wanting a hygrometer that shows readings accurate to the decimal point, you’ll want to pick a different one.
PROS
CONS
- Very accurate
- Color-coded humidity level indicator
- Manual calibration
- Daily high and low readings
● No backlight
● Shows numbers as a whole, not to a tenth decimal
Next up on our list is the ThermoPro TP63A Waterproof Indoor Outdoor Thermometer Digital Wireless Hygrometer. If you’re wanting a hygrometer that offers a two-in-one solution for the inside and outside of your home, then this might be the best hygrometer for you.
What we like?
The ThermoPro hygrometer is technically two separate hygrometers. The indoor hygrometer is the main device that features the LCD display, while the outdoor device is simply a secondary reader without a display. You can view both the indoor and outdoor data on the indoor hygrometer simultaneously.
The outdoor hygrometer and thermometer is completely sealed and includes a rechargeable lithium battery.
You can also purchase additional outdoor sensors and sync up to 3 outdoor sensors at a time to the main indoor device.
What We Don’t Like
The main downside to this hygrometer is the fact that you have to keep recharging the outdoor sensor every now and then. Thankfully, it comes with a USB charger and can be easily charged right from your PC or laptop. It’s also a bit more expensive than typical hygrometers.
PROS
CONS
- Indoor & outdoor hygrometer
- Sync up to 4 hygrometers at once (1 indoor, 3 outdoor)
- Backlit touchscreen
- 3 year warranty
- You have to keep recharging the outdoor sensor
- A bit more expensive than others
Next up we have another ThermoPro model to rival the previous ThermoPro at number 5. The ThermoPro TP50 Digital Hygrometer Indoor Room Thermometer and Humidity Gauge is the “lite” version of the ThermoPro Indoor and Outdoor combo at number 5. While this hygrometer is considered quite basic, it definitely gets the job done.
What we like?
This hygrometer offers an easy humidity indicator so you can quickly tell if humidity levels are in the right or wrong place. The display will show either “DRY”, “COMFORT”, or “WET” to give you a quick glance of your humidity.
This hygrometer has a great design. One advantage is that the magnet on the back is very durable. It’s attached right to the device rather than the foldable stand, and can easily be placed on your fridge.
What We Don’t Like
This hygrometer isn’t suitable for environments that have high humidity, like tortoise enclosures. If your pets need a high humidity environment, you’re better off picking a different hygrometer.
PROS
CONS
- Budget-friendly
- Great magnet on the back
- Quick glance humidity indicator
- Daily high and low records
- 3 year warranty
- Isn’t best for high humidity environments
If you’re wanting a high-end “smart” hygrometer, but aren’t willing to fork out a ton of cash, then you’ll want to check this hygrometer out. The Govee Thermometer Hygrometer, Accurate Indoor Temperature Humidity Sensor is one of the best budget-friendly smart hygrometers available.
What we like?
Considering the price of this hygrometer, it’s a steal for what it offers. While most low-budget hygrometers are only readable from the device, you can view your hygrometer data right from your smartphone and from the device.
You can also view recent humidity and temperature records on your phone to look at how the data changes over time.
What We Don’t Like
While it’s convenient that you can view all data from your phone or from the LCD display on the hygrometer, one downside is that you can only view data through Bluetooth. This means you have to be at your home to look at data on your phone. It doesn’t connect to wifi so you can’t look at your levels when you’re outside the home.
PROS
CONS
- Affordable
- Smart hygrometer
- View data from smartphone
- View recent data records
- Smartphone notifications when humidity or temperature is outside the proper range
- Smartphone data only accessible through Bluetooth, not wifi
If you want a hygrometer that will simply get the job done and don’t want to spend a lot of money, then this might be the best hygrometer for you. The Habor Hygrometer Indoor Thermometer, Humidity Gauge is a solid device that works well for anyone who needs a hygrometer for everyday use.
What we like?
The device isn’t fancy. It doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles. However, this hygrometer by Habor is solid. It gets the job done. It shows the stats that matter the most: temperature and humidity.
Even though the device is on the smaller end, the display is quite large, making it easy to read from afar.
What We Don’t Like
The main advantage to the Habor model is its main disadvantage. It’s simple. It only shows temperature, humidity and a smiley face depending on if the levels are in the right range.
If you want daily readings, highs, lows, or any other features, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
PROS
CONS
- Budget friendly
- Large display
- Simple
- Doesn’t show daily highs or lows
- Doesn’t show trends
If you’re looking for something a little more “vintage”, then you’ll want to consider the Cigar Oasis Analog Hygrometer by Western Humidor. This is one of the best analog hygrometers on the market today. It’s a great mechanically-operated hygrometer that was specifically designed to preserve cigars.
What we like?
The Cigar Oasis Analog Hygrometer has incredible accuracy, to a degree of plus or minus 1 percent. You can also manually recalibrate the hygrometer whenever you like to match your standards.
The hygrometer also has a high-quality build. It has a corrosion-resistant aluminum case, a scratch and fog resistant glass face, and includes a secure magnetic mount.
What We Don’t Like
It’s not great at handling environments with high humidity. It’s really only meant to be used for cigars. It shouldn’t be used for enclosed animal environments. It also doesn’t come with instructions on how to calibrate it, which means you’ll have to manually calibrate it on your own.
PROS
CONS
- Incredible accuracy (+/- 1%)
- Offers manual recalibration
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum case
- Scratch & fog resistant glass
- Secure magnetic mount
- Very affordable
- Can’t handle high humidity
- No instruction manual
If you’re wanting to keep your cigars in excellent condition, then this might be the best hygrometer for you. The Cigar Oasis Caliber IV Digital Hygrometer by Western Humidor is an impressive device that will help maintain the quality of your cigars for years.
What we like?
It works. The Cigar Oasis Caliber IV Digital Hygrometer is an impressive little device that will be sure to keep your cigars in good shape. It comes pre-calibrated right out of the box, and also lets you manually recalibrate when you want.
This cigar hygrometer includes three day high and low averages for both temperature and humidity to ensure you can keep a good watch on your cigars.
What We Don’t Like
It’s not pretty. It’s not vintage. The looks won’t impress your friends when you open up your cigar case. But, this device wasn’t made for the looks. It was made to work, and that’s something it does well.
It’s also not the cheapest hygrometer on the market. It’s not extremely expensive, but there are definitely cheaper options available.
PROS
CONS
- Ranked the most accurate hygrometer in cigar industry
- Secure magnetic mount
- Includes battery
- 3 day high/low humidity and temperature averages
- Manual recalibration
- Not “fancy-looking” for a cigar hygrometer
- A bit more expensive than other hygrometers
Best Hygrometer Buyer’s Guide
As mentioned earlier, a hygrometer is a device that measures humidity or the moisture level in the air at any given time.
Hygrometers can be used for a variety of reasons, though their function is specifically to measure the humidity. Something important you should consider about hygrometers is that they aren’t meant to adjust or regulate temperature or humidity levels. Their main purpose is to simply tell you what the current state is.
So what are hygrometers used for the most?
Cigar Humidors
One of the most popular uses for hygrometers is for cigar enthusiasts. In order to keep cigars fresh, you have to ensure they are stored properly. Cigar enthusiasts will buy a wooden box called a cigar humidor to store their cigars in. These wooden boxes are meant to maintain humidity levels despite external conditions.
Cigar humidors allow cigars to stay fresh and maintain a certain moisture level. This is crucial since tobacco leaves that contract or expand depending on the level of humidity in the air around them.
What Else Are Hygrometers Used For?
Hygrometers aren’t just used for cigar humidors. There are a variety of reasons people use them:
- Maintaining humidity in a specific room for medical reasons
- Minimizing humidity to prevent mold growth
- Ensuring an animal or pet’s environment is kept in stable condition (generally reptiles)
- Reducing risk of asthma-inducing agents including dust, fungi, and other viruses and bacteria
- Protecting expensive equipment including wines from being ruined by excess humidity
Digital & Analog Hygrometers
There are two types of hygrometers: analog and digital. Analog hygrometers are the “traditional” hygrometer type that have been used for centuries to measure humidity. These are usually crafted with a metal frame, and include a face similar to a watch that includes arrows that point to certain numbers in a wheel to designate the metrics.
Oftentimes, cigar humidor containers will already feature a built-in analog hygrometer. However, although analog hygrometers may give off a “vintage” feeling, they are generally less accurate than digital hygrometers.
Though they offer a better appearance, analog hygrometers are also harder to calibrate.
Digital hygrometers offer a much more accurate picture of the humidity levels in your room or humidor. Nowadays, digital hygrometers also double as a thermometer, and may even give you daily averages, or historical data.
The most advanced hygrometers will even connect right to your smartphone through an app so you can read the data right from your mobile phone.
We hope this extensive guide helped to find the best hygrometer for your needs. Any suggestions or questions, let us know below!
The thermopro t50 does not reset the high/low values daily, they reset only when the battery is replaced.
I’m in southeast Texas 40 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Humidity is a concern most of the year inside and out. I just had an Aprilaire dehumidifier installed to try to get a handle on what my A/C leaves behind in the air. Estimates are that average residential central air in this area produces 12-20 gallons of condensate a day in summer. In spite of that removal, my indoor humidity (according to the Honeywell thermostat readings) is usually in the 50-57% range with the A/C set to 75 degrees.
I bought the ThermoPro TP50 and two of the AcuRites. In addition I have an older ThermoPro indoor/outdoor and two Honeywell thermostats (upstairs and down) that display RH. Discounting the Honeywell downstairs, I had five near each other and compared. Five reported 38, 42, 43,43, and 45. Those are the old indoor/outdoor, the two AcuRites, the Thermopro TP50, and the upstairs Honeywell. Since the AcuRites are the only ones that can be “calibrated”, I adjusted one of them to match the other and the ThermoPro TP50. I stuck the two AcuRites to the Honeywell thermostats with double sided foam tape, so when I look at the thermostat, I have a second opinion right there. The TP-50 is my portable to see how certain areas compare–bedroom overnight, home office, TV room.
I think the digital displays imply a level of accuracy that doesn’t exist unless you have hundreds or maybe thousands to spend. Probably the best accuracy these should display is very dry – dry – moderately dry – optimum – moderately humid, – humid – very humid. No numbers at all.
And I have enough stuff dependent on my phone, so I ignored the bluetooth models. Might change my mind though, as I saw a variation on the Temp Stick idea with four sensors.