Honeywell Vs Aprilaire Humidifiers [Comparison & Recommendation]

Honeywell vs Aprilaire Humidifiers

Dry skin, bleeding nose, asthma attack and other harmful viral and respiratory infections are some of the known effects of excessively dry air. Coupled with damage to furniture and walls, lack of indoor air moisture can lead to severe health and home damage if not managed.

This is why humidifiers are important in regions and seasons with excessively low humidity. While there are many known brands out there, this post attempts a comparative review of Honeywell and Aprilaire Humidifiers.

Honeywell is a known brand on the home appliance market and has continued to serve millions of homeowners across the world. Humidifiers are a known product by Honeywell, especially those meant for whole-house humidification.

This usually includes duct-mounted, fan-powered and furnace-mounted units. There are also small units and table-top moisture reducing humidifiers

On the other hand, Aprilaire is a brand established in 1938. Since its first whole-home humidifier was released to the market in 1954, the brand has continued to promote innovation in ensuring a balance of humidity in homes across the world.

When we compared Honeywell and Aprilaire Humidifiers, we realized both brands have truly come of age, but a number of differences across many factors may just be the reason why you’ll choose one brand over the other. Let’s read on.

Honeywell Vs Aprilaire Humidifiers [Comparison Summary]

S. NoFeatureWinnerRecommended Products
1Types of HumidifiersTieNot Applicable
2FiltersTieHoneywell Evaporative Cool Moisture Humidifier
Aprilaire – 600MZ 600M Whole Home Humidifier
3DurabilityAprilaireAprilaire – 500MZ 500M Whole Home Humidifier
4Air FlowAprilaireAprilaire 700M Whole Home Humidifier
5Tank CapacityHoneywellHoneywell Germ Free Cool Moisture Humidifier
6Coverage AreaTieHoneywell Home HE280A2001 HE280A Whole House Humidifier
Aprilaire 700M Whole Home Humidifier
7Ease of UseHoneywellHoneywell 800 Square Foot 1.1 Gallon Cool Mist Humidifier
8PriceHoneywellHoneywell HUL535B Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier
9User ReviewsTieHoneywell Germ Free Cool Moisture Humidifier
Aprilaire – 600MZ 600M Whole Home Humidifier

Aprilaire Vs Honeywell Humidifiers [Detail Comparison of Important Features]

1. Different types of humidifiers from Honeywell and Aprilaire

Honeywell HumidifiersAprilaire Humidifiers
Honeywell has several types and forms of Humidifiers, such as Warm Mist, Cool Mist, Whole-Home or Central, Furnace-Mounted, Duct-Mounted Humidifiers, Ultrasonic and so on.  

They are also available in different sizes for different purposes, including mini Humidifiers and large ones.
Unlike Honeywell, Aprilaire humidifiers are mostly whole-home units, consisting of Furnace-mounted and Duct-mounted Humidifiers. They rarely have small, table-top units.  

These units are also available in a number of sizes for different applications.

As far as large, whole-home Humidifiers are concerned, Aprilaire is one of the world’s leading brands and they edge Honeywell in this category. Most of the units are also connected to the ductwork or furnace to humidify air as they are released into the room.

However, in terms of having units for specific rooms and spaces, as well as units that can be afforded by anyone and used anywhere, Honeywell comes top. This is why both brands share the superiority here.

Winner: Tie

2. Humidifier filters [Honeywell Vs Aprilaire]

Honeywell HumidifiersAprilaire Humidifiers
Some units like the Cool Mist Humidifiers use a filter or Wick filter to either prevent the flow of debris into your unit’s main component or prevent such debris from being released back into the room. Water panel filters are used in large, whole-home units.  

Filters need to be cleaned quite regularly, at least twice a week and must be changed every 30-60 days, depending on the frequency of usage.
Aprilaire humidifiers also feature what they call a water panel filter. It is what enables the unit to pick up the moisture your home needs. This filter is available on most, if not all, Aprilaire humidifiers.  

On average, an Aprilaire Humidifiers filter lasts between 3 and 6 months and would need to be replaced. Cleaning the filter daily or a few times weekly will enhance its performance.

Humidifiers generally require filters, but some like the ultrasonic units do not. Honeywell has a filter in mostly cool-mist Humidifiers, with filters absent in most other types.

On the other hand, the water panel filters are used in Honeywell and Aprilaire mounted whole-home units. This primarily releases moisture for the home, but secondarily prevents the spread of particles. Both Honeywell and Aprilaire also take the crown here.

Winner: Tie

Honeywell Humidifier with Best Filter: Honeywell Evaporative Cool Moisture Humidifier

Aprilaire Humidifier with Best Filter: Aprilaire – 600MZ 600M Whole Home Humidifier

3. Durability [What is the long lasting humidifier – Honeywell or Aprilaire?]

Honeywell HumidifiersAprilaire Humidifiers
Overall, Honeywell Humidifiers are pretty strong and have the resistance to withstand some level of impact and usage.  

Many of its smaller units have a 3-year warranty on parts and repairs, while the larger ones come with a warranty up to 5 years, in some cases.   Filters only last a maximum of 60 days if well used.
Aprilaire appears to be stronger and more durable than Honeywell humidifiers, especially because they are most large and industrial in design.  

Unlike Honeywell, its units come with a 5-year warranty on parts, and are not inclusive on filters- just like Honeywell units.   Aprilaire has a slightly higher filter lifespan of 3-6 months.

We’ll have to give this category to Aprilaire because they’ve shown true strength in their product design and outlook.

This durability is illustrated by the brand’s warranty policy and confirmed by users who have rated its products an average of 4.3 stars out of 5 on durability.

Honeywell is also a strong brand and their products last long too, but with a 4.1 star out of 5 rating on durability, the brand falls slightly below Aprilaire.

Winner: Aprilaire

Longest Lasting Aprilaire Humidifier: Aprilaire – 500MZ 500M Whole Home Humidifier

4. Humidifier Air Flow

Honeywell HumidifiersAprilaire Humidifiers
Smaller Honeywell Humidifiers are mostly ultrasonic, mist, evaporative, and diffusive units. Most of the larger units are furnace and duct-driven, hence airflow is not a common subject. The few exceptions have an airflow of between 160 cubic feet and 250 cubic feet per minute.Aprilaire humidifiers have an airflow capacity that ranges from 200 cubic feet to 320 cubic feet per minute, depending on the unit.  

This applies to its duct-mounted, furnace-mounted and fan-powered units.

It is safe to say that Aprilaire Humidifiers have a better airflow rate than Honeywell units, but many may argue that it’s due to the type of units the brand produces.

However, when units in the same price and coverage categories are compared, we see that Aprilaire has a slight edge over Honeywell humidifiers.

Winner: Aprilaire

Aprilaire Humidifier with Best Air Flow: Aprilaire 700M Whole Home Humidifier

5. Humidifier Water Tank Capacity [Aprilaire Vs Honeywell]

Honeywell HumidifiersAprilaire Humidifiers
Depending on the size of the unit, Honeywell Humidifiers have tanks with capacity ranging from 0.5 gallons to about 2.5 gallons. This applies to smaller space or room Humidifiers that have visible water tanks. Others use water pads.Unlike Honeywell, there are no small Aprilaire Humidifiers on the market.

Larger whole-home units do not feature water tanks that can be measured.

It is hard to tell which is better in a category that’s not well represented. However, we’ll pick from the long list of Honeywell units to illustrate how a large tank can help keep your unit running for long hours and without the need to refill too frequently.

Winner: Honeywell

Honeywell Humidifier with Large Tank Capacity: Honeywell Germ Free Cool Moisture Humidifier

6. Coverage Area [How much area do Honeywell and Aprilaire humidifiers cover?]

Honeywell HumidifiersAprilaire Humidifiers
Honeywell Humidifiers cover areas between 400 sq. ft and 3,500 sq. ft. This range from small room units to large whole-house humidifiers.Meanwhile, all Aprilaire Humidifiers are currently in the whole-house category and have coverage between 2,000 and 6,500 sq. ft.

In terms of coverage, Aprilaire may have larger units, but it is Honeywell that has Humidifiers for every room size and situation.

You may have just a small 200 to 600 sq. ft store, dorm room, small bedroom or a small area to humidify and buying a large whole-house unit just would do it. This is where some Honeywell models become important. And for large spaces, they have large units as well.

Winner: Tie

Honeywell Humidifier with Best Coverage Area: Honeywell Home HE280A2001 HE280A Whole House Humidifier

Aprilaire Humidifier with Best Coverage Area: Aprilaire 700M Whole Home Humidifier

7. Ease of Use

Honeywell HumidifiersAprilaire Humidifiers
Most Honeywell Humidifiers are simple floor units with buttons and knobs for easy control. Tanks are also easy to remove and install when the need arises.

It is also very easy to replace wicking filters when due for replacement.   Only larger, whole-home units may require technical installation.
More technical installation than Honeywell because all units need to be attached to ductwork or furnace. An HVAC professional or ductwork technician is required for installation unless the user has good knowledge and skill of HVAC installation.  

Replacing the water panel filter is also quite technical, and may or may not require a professional.

It’s also quite easy to announce Honeywell as the winner in this category, not just because it is easy to install, but also for its ease of use.

Some may argue that furnace-mounted and ductwork-mounted units produced by Aprilaire do not require any significant control after installation, but we must also consider how tough it must be to carry out cleaning or any other maintenance.

Winner: Honeywell

Easy to Use Honeywell Humidifier: Honeywell 800 Square Foot 1.1 Gallon Cool Mist Humidifier

8. Price [what is the cheapest humidifier – Aprilaire or Honeywell?]

Honeywell HumidifiersAprilaire Humidifiers
Honeywell Humidifiers cost between $35 and $400, depending on the size and capacity of the unit. This ranges from the $35 Honeywell Mini Cool Mist Humidifier to the $360 HE360A whole-house humidifier.As for Aprilaire, you’d find units beginning at $140 and others rising as high as $420. It all depends on the size and capacity, just as with Honeywell.

Obviously, Honeywell Humidifiers have cheaper units because they are relatively smaller and have lower capacity. However, when you compare units within the same category between both brands, you’ll realize Aprilaire has a slightly higher pricing system.

For instance, an Aprilaire 4,200 sq. ft unit sells for $260-$300, while a Honeywell unit with the same coverage capacity + installation kit goes for $240-$260.

Winner: Honeywell

Cheapest Honeywell Humidifier: Honeywell HUL535B Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier

9. User Reviews

Honeywell HumidifiersAprilaire Humidifiers
Honeywell Humidifiers have approximately 25,000 reviews on one of the leading online marketplaces alone. This is from verified buyers on the platform for major products.  

The brand has a rating of 4.4 stars out of 5 across all models on amazon. This covers parameters like durability, ease of use, noise level, and so on.
Aprilaire, on the other hand, has been reviewed just under 3,000 times by verified buyers on the leading online marketplace, way less than the number earned by Honeywell.    

As for ratings, Aprilaire did one better with an average 4.6 stars out of 5.

This category doesn’t have a clear winner because while Honeywell has more reviews, Aprilaire is better rated. What is clear, however, is the fact that both brands have enjoyed impressive feedback due to great customer satisfaction and brand value.

Winner: Tie

Top Honeywell Humidifier with Best User Reviews: Honeywell Germ Free Cool Moisture Humidifier

Top Aprilaire Humidifier with Best User Reviews: Aprilaire – 600MZ 600M Whole Home Humidifier

10. Customer Service and Support

Honeywell HumidifiersAprilaire Humidifiers
Offers as much as 3-5 years warranty on products, depending on the model, but needs to clear up discrepancies in warranty policy.      

Brand has a very strong and comprehensive customer support system, including a Product Registration portal, FAQs, Live Chat platform, phone numbers and an email address, sales@honeywellstore.com for all forms of complaints. They also use social media.
Aprilaire is another brand that gives Honeywell a good run for its money as far as customer support is concerned. First, a 5-year warranty is offered on products, as long as you register the product on the brand’s website.  

There are other resources like live chat, FAQs, owner’s manuals, phone numbers, a “Find a Pro” option, and so on. You can also send an email or reach the team via direct chat.   Social media is also greatly utilized by Aprilaire.

Again, it is almost impossible to separate the two brands when it comes to customer service and support. They both seem to be quite responsive with their own share of flaws. However, Aprilaire seems to honor its warranty more than Honeywell.

Winner: Aprilaire

Other Comparative Features of Honeywell and Aprilaire Humidifiers

 HoneywellAprilaire
SensorAvailable in very few unitsYes
Auto ModeYesYes
Digital ControlIn some unitsYes
HumidistatYesIn some units.
Auto Shut-offYesOnly in few units.

Final Words:

This comparative review of two heavyweights in the air treatment industry shows quite a number of disparities between them.

While Aprilaire leans more towards whole house units, Honeywell invests in different categories of units for different applications. Whatever your need, you can pick a unit from the plethora of models each brand offers.

TOP RATED PRODUCTS FOR HOME
Photo Title Buy
LEVOIT Air Purifier...image LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home & Bedroom - For Allergies and Pets Hair Check Price On Amazon
BREEZOME 60 OZ...image BREEZOME 60 OZ Quiet Dehumidifiers for Home, Dual-Semiconductor Check Price On Amazon
AquaOasis® Cool Mist...image AquaOasis™ Cool Mist Quiet Ultrasonic Humidifier for Bedroom & Large room Check Price On Amazon
43.3'' Portable Air...image 43.3'' Portable Air Conditioners, 3-IN-1 Evaporative Air Cooler w/Remote Check Price On Amazon
BlueDri BD-AS-550-BL Negative...image BlueDri BD-AS-550-BL Negative Machine Airbourne Cleaner HEPA Air Scrubber Check Price On Amazon
Space Heater,VCK 24 Space Heater, VCK 24" 12ft/s Fast Quiet Heating Portable Electric Heater Check Price On Amazon