Best Guitar Humidifiers 2023 – Top 10 Rated Reviews & Buying Guide

The need for a guitar humidifier is predominantly based upon where you live and the specifics of the guitar you own. We actually go into a few details as to why you might need one a little later. But, for now, we’ll assume you understand the need for guitar humidification. And that it’s something not to be forgotten and ignored.

The consequences of that can be severe indeed.

So, for all of the guitar lover’s out there, here’s our top ten list of the best guitar humidifiers currently available.

Guitar murderers stop reading now!

So, let’s go through them…

Top 10 Best Guitar Humidifiers For The Money 2023 Reviews

1 Music Nomad MN300 Humitar Acoustic Guitar Humidifier

Let’s start our pick of the best guitar humidifiers with the Music Nomad MN300.

This is a common- found style of acoustic guitar humidifier. It has a simple design and construction that is very much reflected in the price. And you can get one of these little fellas for around the price of a pack of the best acoustic guitar strings. So, what’s not to like about that?

The device has an outer plastic shell within an inner sponge. It hangs off the two middle strings when the guitar is in the case, laid flat. The sponge is then kept wet to facilitate the release of moisture when relatively low humidity levels prevail.

The flip-top plastic lid allows to quickly check if the sponge requires any additional water. Since the Humid-i-Bar sponge holds high levels of water, water top-ups should be infrequent.

However, if the sponge is dry when touched, it can be removed and soaked. The Music Nomad MN300 has an easily removable sponge to facilitate this process.

The Humid-i-Bar sponge will release moisture evenly. Further, the system is a non-drip. Therefore, this makes it mess-free and with low levels of maintenance.

2 Kyser Lifeguard Humidifier

The Kyser Lifeguard Humidifier comes in two sizes and is designed to slip into the soundhole. It should be noted that it comes in two sizes. Both sizes are designed to fit all range of acoustic guitar sizes. This includes parlor guitars.

To hydrate the humidifier, it’s as simple as immersing the whole thing in water and shaking off any excess — no need to remove the sponge. I think you’ll agree that’s as easy as it comes.

Product dimensions are 7.4” x 5.3” x 0.7”.

The Kyser Lifeguard Humidifier will fit sound holes ranging from 3 3/4″ to 4 1/8”.

They are designed to be re-used and have a long life span. The humidifier should be immersed in distilled water when the sponge becomes dry. The use of distilled water helps to improve the life span of the product.

3 Boveda 49% RH 8 Gram For Music, Patented 2-Way Humidity Control

Check this out. The Boveda system is the first one to feature both humidifying and de-humidifying properties. Most of the products we’re looking at today are one-way humidifying systems. However, we’re sure there will be a few of you out there living in regions with sufficiently fluctuating weather conditions to warrant a two-way humidifier.

Alternatively, this could be one for the traveling musicians amongst you. Or for anyone traveling between regions or areas with fluctuating relative humidity levels.

The Boveda offers a precise level of relative humidity control. They utilize a combination of natural ingredients to emit or absorb moisture as necessary. This is all done through an inner membrane which effectively isolates your instruments from direct moisture contact.

The 49% RH Boveda come in packs of 10. They are in an 8-gram size and come in different relative humidity rated packs. These are specifically manufactured to maintain a tolerance of plus or minus 1%, of the desired humidity, in relation to the RH % specified.

There is no maintenance required with this product. They come in a sealed bag and can be used for up to two years from the initial purchase.

The 49% RH Boveda will last under normal circumstances, in a closed case, for around three months. However, when first using the product, and initially hydrating the guitar, this time is likely to be significantly reduced.

It’s easy to tell when the product is at the end of its lifespan. Once there is a hardening of the sachet, and there are generally fewer soft spots, then it’s time to change it. Well, that’s simple.

4 Oasis OH-1 Guitar Humidifier

Oasis offers a choice of three humidifiers. Firstly, there is the Oasis OH-1. This is their standard humidifier intended for use in all but the most extreme arid conditions. However, should you live in a particularly arid area, such as a desert, they offer the OasisPlus + as an alternative. This provides a higher level of humidification for such circumstances.

Finally, there’s the Oasis OH-6 Case Humidifier, which we will review later.

It’s made to fit inside of the guitar by suspending itself on the two middle strings. Since it has a relatively slim profile, kind of cigar-shaped, it allows it to be in situ without coming into contact with your precious instrument. That’s got to be good.

The dimensions of the Oasis OH-1 are 6.1” x 4.1” x 4.5”. And the internal core of the OH-1 is made up of Humigel/Polymer crystals.

It has an interesting design that is leak protected and gives you an easily visible clue when a refill is required. Its main body is made of a material to allow the process of moisture transfer. As this happens, the main body will shrink. Once shrunk, this can be readily seen and subsequently topped up.

There is a removable screw top which needs to be unlocked to refill the body. A syringe is provided to make this easier. Once filled, the cap can be replaced, and the device inserted back into the body of the guitar. Simple.

5 Oasis OH-6 Case Humidifier

Take a look at this. It’s the second Oasis humidifier and offers some interesting modifications to the OH-1 we’ve just reviewed.

Well, basically the OH-6 has been designed to inside the guitar case but to actually sit externally to the guitar. Instead of fitting inside the body of the guitar, this is fixed to the guitar case itself.

This can be done by either using the steel clip on the OH-6 and attaching that to the case. Or alternatively, a stainless-steel magnet strip, with adhesive backing, can be fixed to the guitar case. Then, the humidifier will attach itself to this clip.

This new design was inspired by the desire to develop the product for a broader range of instruments. Specifically, where a humidifier was needed but couldn’t be attached inside the body of the instrument.

Since the OH-6 fits on the guitar case, it is a suitable humidifier for solid body guitars as well as acoustics. Additionally, it could be used with other types of instruments, such as; cellos, mandolins, violas, violins, and jazz guitars. Also, it has an advantage of being able to be used where pressure might otherwise be placed on the strings, as in the case of the OH-1, where a flatter topped guitar case is being used.

The internal core of the OH-1 is made up of Humigel/Polymer crystals.

There’s no change to the internal design and function of the original Oasis OH-1. That means you still get high two-fold levels of leak protection. You still get a clearly visible clue and an easy to fill main cartridge. And you still get long-lasting levels of humidification.

The main body of the OH-6, like the OH-1, will shrink as the process of moisture transfer takes place. The device will then be needed to be refilled. A syringe is also provided to help with this. Still simple.

6 D’Addario Humidipak Automatic Humidity Control System

Here’s the second of our two-way humidifier systems. And this works in a similar way to the 49% RH Boveda system we’ve previously reviewed.

The Humidipak two-way humidity control system provides a stable relative humidity environment of between 45 to 50 percent. This is particularly useful in areas where there are swings in climatic conditions throughout the year. Alternatively, it can also be an excellent choice when a guitar is regularly moved around and subjected to varying weather conditions.

The D’Addario Humidipak Automatic Humidity Control System comes complete with three humidifier sachets and two pouches. One of the pouches will fit a single sachet and should be stored under the guitar’s headstock in the case. The second pouch contains two sleeves and stores the other two sachets. This pouch fits over the third and fourth string, into the body of the guitar, and should be stored in a closed case.

The D’Addario Humidipak Automatic Humidity Control System is completely maintenance-free. The humidifying sachets last approximately three to four months before needing replacement. Once the humidifiers become hard, with few soft areas, it’s time to replace them.

Replacement packs of three humidifiers are available for separate purchase. Additionally, Humidipak Restore Kits and sachets are available for the times emergency humidification is required.

7 Herco HE360 Guitar Humidifier

Here we are with the most cost-effective humidifying solution on our list. However, it looks a little bit like something you’d leave out to kill the rats. But we’ll not hold that against it – Looks can be deceptive.

Well actually, this is the only humidifier on our list that uses a clay-like substance as a medium to facilitate moisture transfer. It really is as simple as that. Clay in a pot. Good to see the use of some environmentally friendly materials.

It’s a cheap and simple solution, but it’s actually a pretty effective one.

The dimensions of the pot are relatively small, at only 1.7 x 1.7 x 1.5 inches.

To keep this natural clay product in the best condition for humidification, it needs to be regularly immersed in water. It should be immersed for a period of five minutes. The frequency of this will depend on the weather conditions.

The pot has two holes in the top to facilitate the process of humidification. If higher levels or emergency levels of humidification are required, simply drill additional holes in the lid. This is a simple but effective hack. Alternatively, multiple devices could be placed in the case.

8 D’Addario Acoustic Guitar Humidifier

Here, D’Addario’s take on the classic and simple sponge in a pot style of humidifier. It’s one of the best- selling humidifiers and also one of the least expensive. The good news is it’s also likely to have a long life expectancy. The bottom line with this one is it’s another highly cost-effective way to humidify your guitar.

The humidifier, in common with others of this type, simply requires the sponge to be kept moist. However, you need to keep a regular check, refill the plastic pot when the sponge is dry, and place the humidifier back in the guitar. Easy.

The humidifier features an easy to fill drip-free design. This is easily attached to the guitar. It hangs off the center two strings and into the body of the guitar without the need for clips or fasteners. It does not touch the main body of the guitar. Therefore reducing the chance of any surface damage to its finish.

The humidifier is drip-free and will release moisture into the guitar slowly and evenly.

And it holds sufficient water to humidify for up to a week. But it should obviously be checked more regularly in particularly dry conditions. Or where emergency humidification is required.

9 Soarun Acoustic Guitar Humidifier

The Soarun Acoustic Guitar Humidifier is the last of our refillable sponge in a plastic pot style of humidifiers. Therefore, it offers a long-term, cost-effective solution to guitar humidification, with very little initial outlay required.

The sponge in this humidifier has a good capacity and may last up to a month without being re-hydrated. This, of course, will be down to local conditions and regular checking of the moisture retained in the sponge is advisable.

The dimensions are 3.7 x 3.3 x 1.3 inches. It fits into the main body of the guitar by being suspended from the two center strings. The humidifier does come into contact with the main body of the guitar, thus helping to protect its finish.

It has a non-drip, no-spill design. And the humidifier can be completely immersed in water to re-hydrate the sponge. In addition, there is the alternative option of using the non-removable fill-up system. Simply drop water into the hole provided at the top of the humidifier. A water icon clearly shows where.

The non-removable sponge is able to absorb high levels of water. It releases moisture slowly and evenly.

10 Arion In-Case Humidifier

Check this is out, the Arion In-Case Humidifier looks more like a bottle of perfume than a humidifier. Very glitzy. It certainly looks great, so let’s dive in and find out if it’s as good as it looks…

This is another design that utilizes a refillable crystal core. However, unlike the Oasis OH-1 and OH-6 we featured earlier, the Arion, at its core, uses hydrogels in combination with their own proprietary special solution.

However, the Arion In-Case Humidifier is able to deliver one-way humidification only.

The dimension are 1 x 1.6 x 6 inches. This product is not designed to fit inside the body of the guitar and should be left in the case of the guitar. It’s recommended that the best position is at the top of the case by the headstock.

The device is refillable, and distilled water isn’t necessary for refills. However, unlike most of the other items in this review, tap water is perfectly fine. The Arion In-Case humidifier should only be filled to the line indicated on the side of the device.

It’s a leak-free design, backed up by a five-year warranty, to cover leaks and defective materials.

Best Guitar Humidifiers Buyers Guide

Do I need A Guitar Humidifier?

The answer to this is, well it depends. The ideal humidity range for guitars is somewhere between 45 to 55 percent. However, it is widely accepted that most guitars will fair perfectly well between 40 to 60 percent. Therefore, if the humidity levels fall outside of that, it’s probably a very good idea to consider some form of guitar humidification.

It should be noted that newer acoustic guitars constructed from solid wood, as opposed to layered materials, are particularly susceptible to sub-optimal humidity levels.

If you don’t have a hygrometer to measure the levels of humidity in your area. You can always check out the local online weather stations. These should give you fairly accurate humidity measurements for where you live.

Damage To Guitar Through Extremes In Humidity

In the case of low levels of humidity, below 40 percent, the wood may shrink. As a consequence, you can expect cracks to appear on the guitar’s surface. Also, the natural arch of the guitar can begin to flatten, and the fretboard may shrink. Therefore, the bracing may also shrink. Understandably, the sound of the guitar will suffer. The neck will become uncomfortable to play, and there may be some fret buzzing.

In the case of high levels of humidity, over 60 percent, the wood may start to swell. The guitar top will begin to rise. This may also limit any movement on the soundboard, which will adversely affect the guitar’s sound. As the top of the guitar rises, the action will become higher and increasingly difficult to play.

We’re sure you’ll agree that sounds both unpleasant an expensive.

So, is an acoustic guitar humidifier necessary? Well if you’ve just bought yourself a new, high-end solid wood acoustic guitar, and live in areas of high or low humidity levels, yes. There is no doubt about that one. However, there’s definitely more latitude for cheaper, older, differently constructed instruments, being kept under lesser extremes of humidity levels.

Humidifying Solutions

The best guitar humidifiers we’ve reviewed today fall into two broad categories. They basically have either a reusable, or non-reusable humidifying core. They are all for use in a closed guitar case, so they might also be described as the best guitar case humidifiers.

So, the reusable humidifiers have either a sponge, clay, or some kind of crystal core. This reusable style has the distinct advantage of having a long life and therefore providing an economic solution to guitar humidification. However, these products only offer one-way humidification and can only be used where low levels of humidity are the issue.

The alternative to the reusable core systems is to use a sealed one-use-only gel sachet. The sachets require zero maintenance and have the additional advantage of providing two-way humidification. Further, they are also able to offer humidification to more clearly defined levels and ranges. Their major disadvantage is in both their initial and long-term costs.

We’re sure you’ll agree, if you don’t have a 350 + guitar collection, like Joe Bonamassa, and a guitar room humidifier isn’t required, we have you covered.

If you still really need a guitar room humidifier and don’t mind a used one, don’t despair, give David Gilmour a call. He might have a few to sell. In fact, right now, he’s probably sat in his front room, playing air guitar, waiting for your call.

So, What’s The Best Guitar Humidifiers?

The ten best guitar humidifiers we reviewed represent a broad range of choices currently available. But, out of the guitar humidifiers on our list, there is one that actually stands out as a clear winner. This is the…

We particularly like it for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s a system that guarantees the highest level of protection against any kind of fluid leakage. Secondly, it has the lowest level of maintenance requirements.

And thirdly, like the D’Addario Humidipak Automatic Humidity Control System, it’s able to offer two-way humidification. But more than this, the Boveda humidifier specifies a target level of humidity control. In the Boveda product, we reviewed this level was 49%; however, other levels are available.

So, there you have it.

Enjoy your guitars and enjoy your playing.