The best overall basement dehumidifier in 2026 is the LG PuriCare UD701KOG3 (70-pint) — it combines the highest energy efficiency in its class (IEF 3.20), a built-in pump for basements without floor drains, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a remarkably quiet 44 dB noise level. For budget-conscious buyers, the Midea MAD50S1QWT (50-pint) delivers strong performance at $100 less.
Most basements need a 50- or 70-pint dehumidifier. The right choice depends on your basement's size, moisture severity, and whether you have a floor drain. Below, we compare the top models across every factor that matters.
Quick Picks: Best Basement Dehumidifiers 2026
What Makes a Great Basement Dehumidifier
Basements have unique challenges that separate good dehumidifiers from great ones for this application:
High moisture loads: Basements are below grade, surrounded by damp soil. Moisture wicks through concrete walls and slabs. Even "dry" basements can have 55–65% RH in summer without a dehumidifier.
Cool temperatures: Basements are typically 5–15°F cooler than the main floor. In unfinished basements, summer temps can hover around 60–68°F — right at the threshold where compressor dehumidifiers start losing efficiency and risking frost.
Drainage challenges: Many basements lack a floor drain, making continuous drainage difficult. A built-in pump solves this by pushing water upward through a hose to a utility sink, window, or upper-level drain.
Out of sight, out of mind: Basement dehumidifiers often run unsupervised. Smart features (Wi-Fi alerts, humidity monitoring, full-bucket notifications) prevent problems you wouldn't notice until they become serious.
The single most important feature for a basement dehumidifier is reliable drainage. A bucket that fills up every 8 hours will overflow if you forget to empty it — and the unit shuts off, allowing humidity to spike back above 60%. Set up continuous gravity drainage or buy a pump model.
Detailed Reviews
1. LG PuriCare UD701KOG3 — Best Overall
The LG PuriCare 70-pint is the highest-performing basement dehumidifier available in 2026. Its IEF of 3.20 L/kWh is the best in the 70-pint class, meaning it removes more moisture per dollar of electricity than any competitor.
Key specs: 70 pt/day capacity, 680W, IEF 3.20, 44 dB, built-in pump (pumps up to 16 ft vertically), 1.6-gallon bucket, Wi-Fi with LG ThinQ app, auto-restart after power outage.
Why it's great for basements: The built-in pump eliminates drainage headaches. The 44 dB noise level is the quietest in the 70-pint class — important if your basement is a finished living space. Wi-Fi connectivity lets you monitor humidity from upstairs and get alerts if the unit encounters a problem.
Limitations: Premium price ($330–$380). The LG ThinQ app requires a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network (not compatible with 5 GHz-only networks). Heavier than average at 48 lbs.
Best for: Medium to large basements (1,000–3,000 sq ft) where you want top efficiency, quiet operation, and set-it-and-forget-it convenience.
2. Midea MAD50S1QWT — Best Value 50-Pint
The Midea 50-pint hits the sweet spot of price, performance, and efficiency. Its IEF of 2.75 is among the best in the 50-pint class, and the price typically stays under $270.
Key specs: 50 pt/day capacity, 500W, IEF 2.75, 46 dB, gravity drain hose included, 1.6-gallon bucket, digital humidistat, auto-defrost.
Why it's great for basements: Excellent efficiency keeps running costs low ($16–$18/month). The included gravity drain hose makes continuous drainage simple if you have a floor drain. Auto-defrost handles the cool-basement temperature challenge well.
Limitations: No built-in pump — you'll need an external condensate pump ($30–$50) if there's no floor drain below the unit. No Wi-Fi connectivity. The bucket is slightly difficult to remove without spilling.
Best for: Small to medium basements (500–1,500 sq ft) with a floor drain or sump pit nearby. Budget-conscious buyers who want strong efficiency.
3. Midea Cube MAD50PS1QGR — Best Compact Design with Pump
The Midea Cube stands out with its unique vertical design that takes up just 1 sq ft of floor space — half the footprint of traditional dehumidifiers. It includes a built-in pump.
Key specs: 50 pt/day, 510W, IEF 2.65, 44 dB, built-in pump, Wi-Fi with Midea Air app, unique vertical form factor.
Why it's great for basements: The compact footprint is valuable in finished basements where space matters. The built-in pump handles basements without floor drains. Smart features let you monitor remotely.
Limitations: The vertical bucket design can leak slightly if the unit is bumped or moved while the bucket is partially full. Slightly lower IEF than the standard Midea 50-pint.
Best for: Finished basements with limited floor space, especially where the dehumidifier will be visible.
4. Tosot 70-Pint — Best Budget 70-Pint
The Tosot delivers 70-pint capacity and a built-in pump at a price point typically $50–$70 below the LG. It's a strong choice if you need high capacity without the premium price.
Key specs: 70 pt/day, 720W, IEF 2.90, 48 dB, built-in pump, gravity drain, 1.68-gallon bucket, auto-defrost, auto-restart.
Why it's great for basements: Excellent capacity-to-price ratio. The built-in pump handles drainage without additions. Auto-restart ensures the unit comes back on after a power outage — critical for unattended basement operation.
Limitations: Louder than the LG (48 dB vs 44 dB). Higher wattage (720W vs 680W). No Wi-Fi capability.
Best for: Large basements (1,500–3,000 sq ft) where maximum moisture removal matters more than quiet operation or smart features.
5. Santa Fe Compact70 — Best for Crawl Spaces
The Santa Fe Compact70 is purpose-built for tight, challenging spaces. It operates at temperatures as low as 49°F without frosting issues and features a low-profile design (12.5" tall) that fits in crawl spaces with limited clearance.
Key specs: 70 pt/day, 700W, IEF 2.50, 52 dB, low-profile design (12.5"H), operates down to 49°F, MERV-8 filter, commercial-grade components, 5-year warranty.
Why it's great for basements/crawl spaces: Specifically engineered for the challenging conditions where standard dehumidifiers fail. The low-temperature rating means reliable operation in unheated spaces year-round. MERV-8 filtration captures finer particles than the basic mesh filters on consumer models. The 5-year warranty reflects commercial-grade construction.
Limitations: Significantly more expensive ($1,100–$1,350) than consumer-grade units. Louder at 52 dB. No smart features. Designed for performance, not aesthetics.
Best for: Crawl spaces, unheated basements below 65°F, and serious moisture problems where reliability is paramount.
Head-to-Head Comparison
*Running cost at $0.17/kWh, estimated effective daily runtime.
How to Choose: Decision Guide
Choose the LG 70-pint if: You have a medium-to-large basement, want the lowest running costs, need a built-in pump, and value smart home integration. You're willing to pay a premium for the best available performance.
Choose the Midea 50-pint if: Your basement is under 1,500 sq ft, you have a floor drain for gravity drainage, and you want the best efficiency-to-price ratio. You don't need Wi-Fi or a pump.
Choose the Midea Cube if: Floor space is limited, your basement is a finished living area where aesthetics matter, and you need a pump but don't need 70-pint capacity.
Choose the Tosot 70-pint if: You need maximum moisture removal at a reasonable price, have a large or very damp basement, and noise isn't a primary concern.
Choose the Santa Fe if: You're dehumidifying a crawl space, your basement is unheated and drops below 60°F regularly, or you've had consumer-grade dehumidifiers fail on you and want commercial-grade reliability.
Real-World Basement Scenarios
Scenario 1: 1,000 sq ft Finished Basement, Floor Drain Available
Best choice: Midea MAD50S1QWT (50-pint) Setup: Place centrally, run gravity drain hose to floor drain, set to 48% RH. Expected performance: Reaches target in 24–36 hours, runs 8–10 hrs/day in summer. Monthly cost: ~$16.
Scenario 2: 2,200 sq ft Unfinished Basement, No Floor Drain
Best choice: LG PuriCare UD701KOG3 (70-pint) Setup: Place near a utility sink, use built-in pump to push water up to sink. Connect to Wi-Fi for remote monitoring. Expected performance: Handles the large space easily, maintains 45–50% RH. Pump activates automatically. Monthly cost: ~$22.
Scenario 3: 800 sq ft Crawl Space, 55°F in Winter
Best choice: Santa Fe Compact70 Setup: Install on vapor barrier with condensate pump to exterior drain. Set to 50% RH. Expected performance: Operates reliably year-round including cold months. MERV-8 filter captures crawl-space dust and debris. Monthly cost: ~$18.
Scenario 4: 600 sq ft Finished Basement, Bedroom Use
Best choice: Midea Cube MAD50PS1QGR Setup: Place in corner (minimal footprint), pump drains to upstairs bathroom. Set to 50%. Expected performance: Quiet 44 dB operation won't disturb sleep. Compact design blends with furnishings. Monthly cost: ~$17.
- For most basements, a 50-pint ENERGY STAR unit ($230–$320) is sufficient up to 1,500 sq ft
- Large or very damp basements (1,500+ sq ft) need a 70-pint unit ($280–$380)
- A built-in pump is essential if you don't have a floor drain — it's worth the $30–$80 price premium
- Crawl spaces and unheated basements below 65°F need specialized low-temperature units like the Santa Fe line
- Set up continuous drainage from day one — don't rely on manually emptying the bucket
- Wi-Fi connectivity is a genuine value-add for basement units that run unsupervised for weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
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