A hygrometer is an instrument used to measure humidity. Whether you have the basic need to monitor the air conditions due to your health or whether your pets, plants, and all-important cigarette collections require specific temperature conditions to survive, maintaining the correct humidity level in your home can be essential.
Before you buy a hygrometer, It is important that you are aware of the types of hygrometers and how they differ in characteristics. In our article, we’ll provide you with all that you need to know to buy the right hygrometer for your needs. Let’s start with the top 5 hygrometers and how they lead in various categories.
Comparison table: 5 best hygrometers
| Model | ||
| Winner in the category The most accurate humidity readings  Habor Hygrometer & Indoor Thermometer | Functions: Autonomous Power supply: Battery-operated (Batteries included) Product dimensions: 2.4 x 2.1 x 0.7 inches Temperature display unit: Celsius & Fahrenheit Temperature range: 32℉ to 122.0℉ (0.0℃ ~ 50.0℃) Humidity range: 20%~95% Mounting system: triple (magnet, screw hole, and stand) Extras: Air Comfort Indicator | ✅ Shows accurate humidity readings; ✅ Thanks to its little size and magnet, it can be put on a fridge. |
| Winner in the category The most readable values  ThermoPro TP55 | Functions: Autonomous Power supply: Battery-operated (Batteries included) Product dimensions: 4.3 x 3.3 x 1 inches Temperature display unit: Celsius & Fahrenheit Temperature range: -58°F to 158°F (-50°C ~ 70°C) Humidity range: 10% to 99% Max and min temperature & humidity: 24h and all time Mounting system: triple (magnet, screw hole, and stand) Extras: Air Comfort Indicator | ✅ Has a backlight; ✅ Easy to control with a touchscreen. |
| Winner in the category The best memory for high and low readings  AcuRite 00613 | Functions: Autonomous Power supply: Battery-operated Product dimensions: 1.3 x 2.5 x 3 inches Temperature display unit: Celsius & Fahrenheit Temperature range: 32℉ to 122.0℉ (0.0℃ ~ 50.0℃) Humidity range: 16%~98% Max and min temperature & humidity: 24h Mounting system: triple (magnet, screw hole, and stand) Extras: Home comfort icon | ✅ Has a 1-year warranty; ✅ It will work with one battery for up to 2 years. |
| Winner in the category The smartest hygrometer  Govee Smart Hygrometer Thermometer | Functions: via Bluetooth Power supply: Battery- operated (Batteries included) Product dimensions: 2.3 x 2.4 x 0.8 inches Temperature display unit: Celsius & Fahrenheit Temperature range: -4℉ to 140℉ (-20℃ ~ 60℃) Humidity range: 0% ~ 99% Max and min temperature & humidity: 24h and all time from the installation (more details) Mounting system: double (screw hole and stand) Extras: Need to download the GoveeHome app; Air Comfort Indicator | ✅ Pairs with any smartphone and iPhone; ✅ Alarms you when the temperature and humidity level drop to the set level. |
| Winner in the category The most accurate temperature readings  ThermoPro TP50 | Functions: Autonomous Power supply: Battery- operated (Batteries included) Product dimensions: 3.1 x 0.8 x 2.6 inches Temperature display unit: Celsius & Fahrenheit Temperature range: -58°F to 158°F (-50°C ~ 70°C) Humidity range: 10% ~ 99% Max and min temperature & humidity: all time Mounting system: double (magnet and stand) Extras: Air Comfort Indicator (Happy Smile) | ✅ Temperature accuracy of ±1°F; ✅ Wide range of use. |
The main criteria to pay attention to when choosing a hygrometer
Even when choosing a fairly simple device like a hygrometer, you need to know what to look for. So, here are the main criteria:
- Meets your moisture and temperature range needs
The first thing to keep in mind is where you intend to use the hygrometer. If it is for a refrigerator or a place where you keep your wine, you need to look at hygrometers that have a negative temperature range, as well as an appropriate humidity level.
If you need a hygrometer with a wide range of temperature and humidity uses, pay attention to the ThermoPro TP50 (review) because it can measure both indoor and outdoor conditions. It’s accurate, reliable, and has a large screen that makes it very easy to use. Also, it can measure the temperature from -58°F to 158°F. The Govee Smart Hygrometer Thermometer (review) will also be helpful as it has the biggest humidity range (0% ~ 99%) but it has a smaller temperature range (-4°F – 140°F).
- Max and min temperature and humidity
The second point is to understand whether you need readings of maximum and minimum humidity and air temperature. They will help you compare the current climate in your room with the highest and lowest readings. For example, with the memory of high and low humidity, you can monitor your needs with a humidifier. Some models give these values relative to the time from when they are plugged in, and some read them every 24 hours. Be careful when choosing.
You can change the amount of elapsed time of the temperature and high/low humidity from 24hrs to all-time if it is the ThermoPro TP55 (review) or the Govee Smart Hygrometer Thermometer (review). The temp and humidity (RH) maximum and minimum readings are all-time (for the whole period of use, not only the last 24 hours) in the ThermoPro TP50 (review). This means if you want to see nighttime lows, and daytime highs, you have to remove the battery daily, and that is not convenient.
- Screen
The digits and readings must be easy to read, as most of the time you will look at them from a distance. From our top-list, the Habor Hygrometer & Indoor Thermometer (review) has the biggest digits that are the same in size as the readings of temperature and humidity. The ThermoPro TP55 (review) has the most readable values not only of temperature and humidity but also their max and min values.
Not only does the size of the digits matter, but also the brightness and quality of the screen. The Govee Smart Hygrometer Thermometer (review) has an indicator that is a little dim but readable at an angle, as mentioned by many users in their reviews. An additional feature is that you can pair this hygrometer with a phone via Bluetooth through the GoveeHome app and you can see the data from the app.
Note: The Govee app has flashy adverts for other Govee products.
- Stand type: magnet, hook hole, or a kickstand
Multiple mounting options. This affects the convenience of installing the hygrometer for any type of room, such as the kitchen, music room, children’s room, office, etc. As a rule, the most commonplace for this is the kitchen. All presented models (except the Govee Smart Hygrometer Thermometer (review)) have a magnet, so you can install them on any metal surface like a fridge.
A detailed review of each model
Habor Hygrometer & Indoor Thermometer — The Most Accurate Humidity Readings
Category winner:
The most accurate humidity readings
Functions:
Power supply:
Product dimensions:
Temperature display unit:
Temperature range:
Humidity range:
Mounting system:
Extras:Autonomous
Battery-operated (Batteries included)
2.4 x 2.1 x 0.7 inches
Celsius & Fahrenheit
32℉ to 122.0℉ (0.0℃ ~ 50.0℃)
20%~95%
triple (magnet, screw hole, and stand)
Air Comfort IndicatorBenefits: ✅ Shows accurate humidity readings;
✅ Thanks to its little size and magnet, it can be put on a fridge.
✅ Pros:
- Humidity accuracy range is around ±5%
- Compact design in addition to a triple mounting system
- Bright LCD with large digits that are easy to read
- Updates reading every 10 seconds
⛔️ Cons:
- Inaccurate temperature reading
- May slide down from the refrigerator door
- Does not have an indicator of min and max temperature and humidity
The Habor Hygrometer & Indoor Thermometer is a small hygrometer that you can mount on any surface. With the humidity range of 20%~95%, it has an accuracy range of ±5%, which is the highest indicator compared to other hydrometers. For comparison, the Govee Smart Hygrometer Thermometer (review) has the largest humidity range (0% ~ 99%) but its accuracy sometimes needs to be calibrated with the calibration kit. As both the ThermoPro TP50 (review) and the ThermoPro TP55 (review), the Habor Hygrometer & Indoor Thermometer updates data every 10 seconds. This means that you will have accurate readings all the time. An additional feature that will help you regulate the climate in your home is the Air comfort indicator. It has 3-level icons that indicate how comfortable the conditions are.
This model has a bright with large digits. Thanks to this, the indicators are easy to read from any distance. But if you need to look at them in a dark place, pay attention to the ThermoPro TP55 (review), which has a backlight. You will be satisfied with the mounting system as well. The small size of the hygrometer and its triple mounting system allows you to put it wherever you want. You can mount the hygrometer on a table, wall in the cellar, or on a fridge. In some cases, the hygrometer may slide down the refrigerator door.
ThermoPro TP55 — The Most Readable Values
Category winner:
The most readable values
Functions:
Power supply:
Product dimensions:
Temperature display unit:
Temperature range:
Humidity range:
Max and min temperature & humidity:
Mounting system:
Extras:Autonomous
Battery-operated (Batteries included)
4.3 x 3.3 x 1 inches
Celsius & Fahrenheit
-58°F to 158°F (-50°C ~ 70°C)
10% to 99%
24h and all-time
triple (magnet, screw hole, and stand)
Air Comfort IndicatorBenefits: ✅ Has a backlight;
✅ Easy to control with a touchscreen.
✅ Pros:
- 4” large LCD touchscreen
- Has a backlight
- Ideal for monitoring up to different locations, such as cigar humidors, wine cellars, greenhouses, musical instrument cases, and more
- Updates the reading every 10 seconds like the Habor Hygrometer & Indoor Thermometer (review)
⛔️ Cons:
- Does not show the humidity level under 10%
- The backlight stays on for 15 seconds only
The ThermoPro TP55 is an ideal hygrometer if you plan to put it in a dark place. The 4” large LCD touchscreen with a backlight makes it ideal for a cellar. With just one touch of the button, you can activate the backlight for around 15 seconds. The backlight provides enough time to look at one indicator but not enough to analyze all of them. No worries, you can turn it on again. Also, the size of the digits is large enough to read them from a distance during the day.
As the Habor Hygrometer & Indoor Thermometer (review), this model updates the reading every 10 seconds. So, the readings will always be up to date. Pay attention that this hygrometer does not show a humidity level under 10%, however, you are unlikely to need this indicator in everyday life, as even in granaries, the humidity reaches 8-15%. Like all of the hygrometers, this one also has an Air comfort indicator. It has 3 levels:
- Dry (humidity is below 30%)
- Comfort (humidity is between 30-60%)
- Wet (humidity is above 60%)
AcuRite 00613 — The Best Memory for High and Low Readings
Category winner:
The best memory for high and low readings
Functions:
Power supply:
Product dimensions:
Temperature display unit:
Temperature range:
Humidity range:
Max and min temperature & humidity:
Mounting system:
Extras:Autonomous
Battery-operated
1.3 x 2.5 x 3 inches
Celsius & Fahrenheit
32℉ to 122.0℉ (0.0℃ ~ 50.0℃)
16%~98%
24h
Triple (magnet, screw hole, and stand)
Home comfort iconBenefits: ✅ Has a 1-year warranty;
✅ It will work with one battery for up to 2 years.
✅ Pros:
- Daily high/low humidity and temperature
- The temperature is almost as accurate as in the ThermoPro TP50 (review)
- Has a 1-year warranty
- The display is easy to read but it does not have a backlight like in the ThermoPro TP55 (review)
⛔️ Cons:
- Batteries are not included (requires 1 x AAA alkaline battery)
This hygrometer has the best memory for temperature and humidity indicators. The AcuRite 00613 remembers data only for 24 hours but shows the most accurate reading. It is perfect if you want to check the values every day to analyze the tendency. For comparison, the ThermoPro TP50 (review) shows min and max values only for the whole time of use ( for the period from installation to the current date). This means that you only have to compare your current readings with the previous ones but not necessarily build a daily trend. Remember that for maximum accuracy, you should put the hygrometer in a dry area that is free of dirt and dust, out of direct sunlight, and away from any heat and humidity source.
Another great advantage of the AcuRite 00613 is its 1-year warranty. It is the only hygrometer in our list that has it. But it also has one small disadvantage. This is the only hygrometer that does not come with batteries. However, this is not a problem as you need only one AAA alkaline battery and it will last you up to 2 years.
Govee Smart Hygrometer Thermometer — The Smartest Hygrometer
Category winner:
The smartest hygrometer
Functions:
Power supply:
Product dimensions:
Temperature display unit:
Temperature range:
Humidity range:
Max and min temperature & humidity:
Mounting system:
Extras:via Bluetooth
Battery- operated (included)
2.3 x 2.4 x 0.8 inches
Celsius & Fahrenheit
-4℉ to 140℉ (-20℃ ~ 60℃)
0% ~ 99%
24h and all-time
double (screw hole and stand)
Need to download the GoveeHome app;
Air Comfort IndicatorBenefits: ✅ Pairs with any smartphone and iPhone;
✅ Alarms you when the temperature and humidity level drop to the set level.
✅ Pros:
- You can download an app and read values via your Bluetooth
- Almost as small as the Habor Hygrometer Indoor Thermometer (review)
- It has a large LCD
- Provides 20 days of online data storage for free
- Has the biggest humidity range
⛔️ Cons:
- A dim screen that is easier to read at an angle
- Has a double mounting system (screw hole and stand)
The Govee Smart Hygrometer Thermometer is ideal for those, who like to keep everything under control. It does not matter how far you are from the hygrometer, you can check the readings at any time. All it requires is for you to download the Govee app and have a Bluetooth connection with your hygrometer. The main feature of this model is its compatibility with the app. Maybe that is why its large LCD is a little bit dim. It is still readable at an angle and regardless, you can check all the readings on your smartphone. You can check everyday readings in the app for free. It stores data for the last 20 days online. You can also set the temperature and humidity levels to alert you when they go out of this range.
The Govee Smart Hygrometer Thermometer has the biggest humidity range (0% ~ 99%). For comparison, the Habor Hygrometer & Indoor Thermometer (review) which measures humidity the most accurately, has only 20% ~ 95%. This hygrometer also has a small size but has a double mounting system. It has a screw hole and a stand but if you need to put it on a fridge or a metal surface, pay attention to the Habor Hygrometer & Indoor Thermometer (review), which has a magnet for convenience.
ThermoPro TP50 — The Most Accurate Temperature Readings
Category winner:
The most accurate temperature readings
Functions:
Power supply:
Product dimensions:
Temperature display unit:
Temperature range:
Humidity range:
Max and min temperature & humidity:
Mounting system:
Extras:Autonomous
Battery- operated (Batteries included)
3.1 x 0.8 x 2.6 inches
Celsius & Fahrenheit
-58°F to 158°F (-50°C ~ 70°C)
10% ~ 99%
all-time
double (magnet and stand)
Air Comfort Indicator (Happy Smile)Benefits: ✅ Temperature accuracy of ±1°F;
✅ Wide range of use.
✅ Pros:
- Reads the temperature in a tenth of a degree, so shows the most accurate readings
- High accuracy of ±1°F makes this unit perfect for those who have extreme sensitivity to temperature fluctuations
- The same temperature range (-58°F ~ 158°F) as in the ThermoPro TP55 (review)
- Works as an indoor hygrometer as well as a refrigerator thermometer, freezer thermometer, reptile thermometer, soil thermometer, humidor hygrometer, cigar hygrometer, and more
- Updates readings every 10 seconds as in the Habor Hygrometer & Indoor Thermometer (review)
⛔️ Cons:
- Has a double mounting system as in the Govee Smart Hygrometer Thermometer (review)
- Does not have a backlight like in the ThermoPro TP55 (review)
If you are looking for the most accurate temperature readings in your home, the ThermoPro TP50 is the best hygrometer for you. It has the same temperature range (-58°F ~ 158°F) as in the ThermoPro TP55 (review) but its temperature measurements are more accurate. Moreover, its temperature accuracy is ±1°F.
As the Govee Smart Hygrometer Thermometer (review), this hygrometer has a double mounting system. But, unlike the Govee, it has a magnet and stand, so you cannot hang it to the wall but you can place it on the fridge. The ThermoPro TP50 records min and max temperature and humidity all the time. This means that it will show you the highest/lowest indicators from its setting up till the current time. If you need to not only compare readings but also build a trend, pay attention to the AcuRite 00613 (review).
Some tips and tricks
How to check the accuracy of a hygrometer
There are special kits for home use, that are mess-free, and ready-to-use for checking the hygrometer’s reading:
Boveda for Cigars One-Step Calibration Kit 32%
Simply place your hygrometer inside the bag and completely re-close the zipper. Allow the Calibration Kit to sit for a minimum of 24 hours at room temperature, 65 to 75°F. The hygrometer should read the RH% level stated on the Calibration Kit. If not, note the difference for future readings or adjust your hygrometer if applicable.
The humidity level and your indoor hot tub
hOmeLabs 1,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier
If you have an indoor hot tub, it is important to pay attention to the ventilation and humidity level in the room where it is located. Bathrooms usually have a ventilation system. But if not or if your indoor hot tub is located in a custom room, it is important to prevent condensation. That is why we recommend using a dehumidifier when the hygrometer shows a high level of humidity (more than 60%).
For more information on dehumidifiers and how to prepare a place for a hot tub, read our article.
Summary
A hygrometer is a fairly small yet essential device. It is useful because the right humidity level and air temperature are crucial for a lot of health-related concerns, as well as for keeping a check on the moisture level of your home. You can save a lot of money that would otherwise be spent on repairs for replacements of your home appliances.
When you decide to buy a hygrometer, pay attention to correct moisture and temperature readings, the ability to remember max and min temperature and humidity, screen quality, and some extras (such as a backlight, and type of stand- magnet/hook hole/kickstand). To check the accuracy of your hygrometer, you can use a calibration kit.
A brief description of each model from our list of the best hygrometers on the market is given below:
| Winner in the category The most accurate humidity readings Habor Hygrometer & Indoor Thermometer | ✅ Shows accurate humidity readings; ✅ Thanks to its little size and magnet, it can be put on a fridge. |
| Winner in the category The most readable values ThermoPro TP55 | ✅ Has a backlight; ✅ Easy to control with a touchscreen. |
| Winner in the category The best memory for high and low readings AcuRite 00613 | ✅ Has a 1-year warranty; ✅ It will work with one battery for up to 2 years. |
| Winner in the category The smartest hygrometer Govee Smart Hygrometer Thermometer | ✅ Pairs with any smartphone and iPhone; ✅ Alarms you when the temperature and humidity level drop to the set level. |
| Winner in the category The most accurate temperature readings ThermoPro TP50 | ✅ Temperature accuracy of ±1°F; ✅ Wide range of use. |
FAQs
🤔 Can I do a salt test with table salt to check the accuracy of a hygrometer?
No, because table salt contains a lot of other things like various silicates, carbonates, iodine, etc. This makes the test inaccurate. Use calibration kits instead, for example, the Boveda for Cigars One-Step Calibration Kit 32%. You can find how to use it correctly in our article.
💦 What is the recommended humidity level in a house?
The ideal relative humidity (RH) for health and comfort at home is about 40–50%. But in the winter months, it is required to be lower than 40% RH to avoid condensation on the windows.
🧽 How to clean a hygrometer?
To clean your hygrometer, first, remove the cover or face. Wipe the glass with a soft, dry cloth. If there is any build-up on the glass, you can gently clean it with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Be sure to avoid getting any moisture on the sensor inside the hygrometer.
🥇 What are the best hygrometers with a thermometer?
The best hygrometers with a thermometer are:
– Habor Hygrometer & Indoor Thermometer — the most accurate humidity readings
– ThermoPro TP55 — the most readable values
– AcuRite 00613 — the best memory for high and low readings
– Govee Smart Hygrometer Thermometer — the smartest hygrometer
– ThermoPro TP50 — the most accurate temperature readings
Read our article to find more specifications on each model.
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