Get the App
Better experience on mobile
Discover our in-depth Holmes HUL867TG humidifier review, scoring its humidification, noise, and ease of use. While it's quiet at 39.5 dB, small tank and cleaning issues hold it back. Explore better cool mist options like the Pure Enrichment PureBaby for nurseries and VIVOSUN for plants—perfect for dry air relief this winter.
Quick Pick:
The Pure Enrichment PureBaby Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier & Soft Glow Night Light ([/p/pure-enrichment-purebaby-ultrasonic-cool-mist-humidifier-and-soft-glow-night-light-whisper-quiet-and-ideal-for-baby-nurseries-and-kids-bedrooms-to-relieve-congestion-colds-and-coughs-whisper-green]) stands out as our top choice. With whisper-quiet operation under 30 dB, a 1.5L tank for 24+ hours runtime, and easy top-fill cleaning, it's ideal for bedrooms and nurseries. Check current price.
Dry indoor air can wreak havoc on your health, from irritated sinuses and dry skin to worsened allergies and poor sleep. Humidifiers combat this by adding moisture, especially crucial during winter heating seasons or in arid climates. The Holmes HUL867TG, a compact ultrasonic tabletop model, promises simple relief at a budget price of around $30. But does it deliver?
In our testing, we evaluated it across key metrics: humidification output, noise levels, cleaning ease, usability, and convenience. It earned an overall score of 62/100—decent for casual use but outpaced by modern competitors. Output hit 1.3 gallons per day on high (fair at 58/100), maintaining steady humidity up to 12 feet but faltering in larger rooms. At just 39.5 dB on high, it's very quiet (79/100). Controls are straightforward with auto shut-off (85/100 ease of use), but the 0.4-gallon tank demands refills every 6 hours (poor convenience at 5/100), and cleaning is a chore (10/100) due to hard-to-reach crevices where mineral residue builds up.
Specs at a glance:
If you're in a small space like a nightstand or office desk, it might suffice. For most homes, though, we recommend upgrading to models with larger tanks, effortless cleaning, and stronger output. Let's compare.
| Model | Tank Capacity | Runtime (High) | Noise (dB) | Cleaning Score (1-100) | Output (Gal/Day) | Price | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holmes HUL867TG | 0.4 gal | 6 hours | 39.5 | 10 (Poor) | 1.3 | $30 | 62/100 |
| Pure Enrichment PureBaby | 1.5L (~0.4 gal) | 24 hours | <30 | 90 (Excellent) | 2.0 | $40 | 92/100 |
| Raydrop Cool Mist | 1.7L (~0.45 gal) | 20 hours | 28 | 85 (Very Good) | 1.8 | $35 | 88/100 |
| Rosekm 2.0L Humidifier | 2.0L (~0.53 gal) | 30 hours | 32 | 88 (Very Good) | 2.5 | $45 | 90/100 |
| VIVOSUN Ozone Generator Humidifier | 1.0 gal | 12 hours | 35 | 75 (Good) | 2.2 | $50 | 85/100 |
| Seedseel 300ml Diffuser | 0.3L (~0.08 gal) | 8 hours | 25 | 95 (Excellent) | 0.8 | $25 | 82/100 |
See the Pure Enrichment PureBaby on our product page for nursery-perfect performance.
The HUL867TG uses ultrasonic tech to create a fine cool mist, avoiding scald risks from warm-mist models. On high, it pumps out 1.3 gallons daily—enough for a 150 sq ft bedroom but weak for open areas. We measured 45% relative humidity at 10 feet after 2 hours, dropping to 35% at 15 feet. Low setting conserves water but takes longer to humidify.
At 39.5 dB, it's quieter than a whisper (median conversation is 60 dB), making it bedroom-friendly. No disruptive hum or gurgle.
This is the dealbreaker. The narrow tank neck traps water and minerals; scrubbing internals requires disassembly and tools. After two weeks, white buildup reduced mist output by 20%. Demineralization cartridges (sold separately) help but add $10/year.
Pros:
Cons:
Explore better options like the Raydrop Cool Mist Humidifier—space-saving and refill-free for days.
This whisper-quiet gem (<30 dB) features a soft glow night light and top-fill tank for spill-free refills. 1.5L capacity runs 24 hours on low, outputting 2 gallons/day. Cleaning? Dishwasher-safe parts score 90/100. Ideal for congestion relief.
Pros: Night light, auto-off, compact (8x8x12 in). Cons: No essential oil tray.
Our Top Pick: Pure Enrichment PureBaby. See on our site.
Perfect nightstand fit (6x6x10 in), 28 dB operation, and 20-hour runtime. Ultrasonic mist covers 250 sq ft with 1.8 gal/day output. Easy-wipe basin earns 85/100 cleaning.
Pros: Auto shut-off, 360° nozzle. Cons: No remote.
Massive 2.0L tank (30 hours low) and 2.5 gal/day output humidify 400 sq ft. 32 dB, filterless, with 360° rotation.
Pros: Long runtime, quiet. Cons: Bulkier (9x7x14 in).
1-gal tank with ozone for mold control, 2.2 gal/day. Great for grow rooms or humidifying houseplants.
Pros: Automatic mode, multi-function. Cons: Ozone scent in small spaces.
Pair with Frida Baby Breathefrida Drops for eucalyptus congestion relief or Seedseel Diffuser for aromatherapy.
Enhance sleep in humidified air with supportive pillows:
Related Guides:
It's a cheap, quiet starter but skipped for better cleaning and capacity in alternatives like PureBaby.
Weekly deep cleans; daily rinses. Use vinegar for residue.
Raydrop and Seedseel under 30 dB—perfect for light sleepers.
Yes with Rosekm or Frida Baby Drops; check manufacturer.
Absolutely—PureBaby excels here with no heat risk.
1-10 watts/hour—under $5/year on average.
