
Your guitarโs wood responds to changes in humidity, expanding or contracting based on the moisture in its environment. Thatโs why the best guitar humidifier is essential, it protects your guitar by maintaining a stable humidity level, preventing cracks, warping, and other damage that could ruin its structure and resonance.
The Best Guitar Humidifiers | The Best Guitar Humidifiers Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
92 | 2275+ | ||||
94 | 1600+ | ||||
93 | 1100+ |
The Best Guitar Case Hygrometer | The Best Guitar Case Hygrometer Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
92 | 675+ |
Humidifier + Hygrometer Bundle | Humidifier + Hygrometer Bundle Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
92 | 725+ | ||||
89 | 27+ |
*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed for these product Gearank Ratings.
Research Process: How Gearank Works
A good guitar humidifier works by either releasing or absorbing moisture as needed to keep your guitar in its ideal environment. Pairing it with a hygrometer gives you an added layer of control, allowing you to monitor humidity levels and make precise adjustments.
Without this protection, your guitar is at the mercy of fluctuating conditions, especially during seasonal changes or when stored in extreme climates. For guitarists, a reliable humidifier isnโt just an accessory. Itโs a crucial investment in preserving your instrumentโs longevity and tone.
In this guide, weโve carefully selected the best guitar humidifiers and hygrometers available, using an unbiased process to ensure our recommendations are based on real-world performance and user feedback.
Whether you need a standalone humidifier, a hygrometer for precise readings, or a convenient bundle with both, youโll find options tailored to different needs and budgets.
Letโs dive into the top picks that will help you protect your guitar for years to come.
Best Guitar Humidifiers
The Boveda 49% Two-Way Humidity Control Pack is an incredibly low-maintenance solution for keeping your guitar in a stable environment.
With its two-way control feature, it can both release and absorb moisture to maintain a consistent 49% humidity levelโperfect for wooden instruments. This means it works well with both high humidity and low humidity environments. I’m impressed with its simplicity; just pop it in your case, and youโre good to go, with no need for refilling or frequent maintenance.
However, its simplicity does come with a tradeoff, it doesnโt allow you to monitor the actual humidity level.
This means youโll need a separate hygrometer if you want precise readings. Still, the convenience and reliability make it a great pick, especially for musicians who donโt want to fuss over humidifier upkeep.
- Weight: 2.4 oz
- Suspension: Fabric holder
- Longevity: Medium
What makes the MN300 better than other sponge guitar case humidifiers is its special sponge and intuitive design.
The “Humid-i-Bar” sponge absorbs more water than other sponges that I’ve tried. This ability to hold more water allows it to maintain proper humidity levels longer. It works consistently and reduces the need for water refills.
I’m also impressed with its anti-drip design, even when fully soaked, water doesn’t leak. Only a few drops of surface water drips back down to the bowl. This makes me confident that the sponge really is safe for guitar use.
The sponge goes inside a plastic case that’s very easy to use and comes complete with an easy-to-open top cap with basic instructions. It is designed specifically for soundhole mounting. It is thin enough to slip in between strings and thick enough to be held up by string tension.
The top portion has flaps that allow the unit to rest on the strings. Being a sound hole humidifier, it has more access to the inner wood workings of the my acoustic guitar. This makes it more efficient at controlling humidity, ensuring that my acoustic guitar stays at the proper humidity levels.
Like other sound hole humidifiers, it does apply a bit of stress to the strings, bending them sideways out of their regular position. But in my experience, it’s not bad enough to cause any substantial problems – see my video below to see for yourself.
Since the sponge doesn’t leak, you can actually place the Humitar inside the guitar case, just make sure that it is placed where it won’t accidentally scratch or damage the guitar. You can place it in the space below the headstock, or inside internal pockets – as long as the case is stationary.
Humitar MN300 Packaging.
Easy maintenance is another big reason why I give the Humitar my thumbs up. All I have to do is open the top cap and press on the sponge to feel if it’s soft or hard. If it’s soft, it still is working fine, if is getting harder, then I can quickly pull out the sponge and soak it in distilled water.
Taking out the sponge quickly also allows me to check for discoloration, which could be a symptom of problems like mold, dirt, and debris. The sponge’s light color makes it easier to see problem spots. Maintenance is easy and foolproof.
All in all, I’m very pleased with the MN300, It is highly recommended for guitarists who want an efficient and easy-to-use humidifier.
- Weight: 2.9 oz
- Suspension: Held By Strings
- Longevity: Medium
Instead of using a sponge, the Oasis OH-1 uses a special type of gel to humidify without leaking water on your instrument. This allows it to work just as well as sponge types while having a smaller profile that’s easy to position and maintain.
The OH-1 looks and operates much like a syringe, with a stabilizer bar that allows it to sit on top of your instruments’ strings. Once it’s properly set up, it is designed to maintain 45% to 55% relative humidity inside the guitar body when outside humidity is within 25% to 40%.
Maintenance work is quite simple; you just need to open the top cap and pour in enough distilled water. The water is then absorbed by the Humigel crystals inside, which are super water absorbent and serve as the humidifier’s sponge.
The exterior is made from a special cloth that prevents excess water from leaking out while allowing evaporated moisture to pass through.
Needs refilling – Image Courtesy of Oasis.
The Humigel crystals lose their water-absorbing capability after some time, so they will need to be replaced. Refilling the media differs depending on the level of humidity in your area.
If you’re not careful, the gels can also fall out of the syringe, in this case you’ll have to remove what’s remaining and replace everything via a Humigel replacement kit.
The compact design also makes it viable for acoustic guitars with smaller or distinctly shaped soundholes, like those from Ovation guitars. Note that the cap is a bit thick and might not fit inside tight cases.
The downside to its special media is that there’s no easy way to check if it needs refilling. You’ll have to push the strings to the side and pull it out gently to not damage its special cloth-like exterior. Once pulled out, you can check if the OH-1 has shrunk and needs refilling of water.
The versatility of the OH-1’s small profile makes it a safe pick, regardless of the type of guitar you own.
- Weight: 0.8 oz
- Suspension: Held By Strings
- Longevity: Long
Best Guitar Case Humidifier
The Oasis OH-6 Case Humidifier is designed specifically for guitar cases, offering a secure and easy way to maintain proper humidity.
Its slim design fits snugly inside the case without coming into direct contact with your instrument, and it uses a moisture-retaining gel that reduces the risk of leaks. The included syringe makes refilling simple and precise, ensuring you donโt overdo it.
A slight downside is that it needs regular refilling, particularly in drier climates, so itโs not as hands-off as other options like Boveda packs. Additionally, some users have noted that the clips can occasionally loosen over time.
That said, the OH-6 is a reliable, affordable solution for keeping your guitar safe from extreme humidity changes.
- Weight: 1.6 oz
- Suspension: Hangs on the Edge of the Case/Magnet
- Longevity: Long
Humidifier + Hygrometer Bundle
The Music Nomad MN311 combines a humidifier and a hygrometer in one sleek, easy-to-use package.
It has a built-in hygrometer that provides real-time humidity readings, so you always know your guitarโs environment. The humidifier is also well-designed, sitting between your strings to keep moisture levels stable without coming into contact with your instrument.
While itโs incredibly versatile, the MN311 requires a bit more effort to monitor and refill compared to fully passive systems. The upside is that you get more use out of these sponge-type humidifiers.
Some users also wish the hygrometer had a backlight for easier reading in dimly lit environments.
Despite these minor issues, this all-in-one solution is a favorite for its convenience and effectiveness.
- Weight: 1.73 oz
- Suspension: Held by Strings
- Longevity: Long
The Oasis OH-3 combines the benefits of a reliable humidifier with an accurate hygrometer, offering guitarists excellent control over their instrumentโs environment.
The humidifier uses the same gel-based system as the OH-6, reducing leaks, while the hygrometer sits separately in your case to monitor humidity. Together, they form a powerful duo that keeps your guitar safe and sounding its best.
The cool thing about the included OH-2 hygrometer is that, in addition to displaying the humidity inside of your guitar case, it also shows high and low-temperature extremes
The separate placement of the hygrometer can be a minor inconvenience if you prefer all-in-one solutions. Additionally, like other Oasis humidifiers, the OH-3 requires regular refilling, which can be tedious in very dry climates.
However, its precision and reliability more than makeup for these small drawbacks, making it an excellent choice for serious musicians.
Owners of the OH-3 trust it to protect their Martin, Taylor, Gibson, and other expensive acoustic guitars.
- Weight: 1.4 oz
- Suspension: Held By Strings
- Longevity: Medium
Things to Consider When Buying a Guitar Humidifier or Guitar Case Hygrometer
If youโre not sure why you need a humidifier, or you just want to brush up on your knowledge before you throw any money down, check out the sections below.
Why Do I Need To Humidify My Guitar?
An important topic to understand about your guitar is that, like any other piece of wood, it swells and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. An excess of humidity causes your guitar to swell (as do hot temperatures), and too little guitar humidity causes it to contract (cold causes the same thing). This can cause cracks in your guitar, mostly on the exterior, but it can also affect wooden support posts and braces inside – potentially destroying your instrument.
Warping of the neck is another unwanted result of improper humidity, it can even negatively impact the truss rod.
As long as there are guitarists who want to protect their favorite guitars, there will be a market for good guitar humidifiers.
Note that other gear that uses wood is susceptible to warping due to excessive humidity changes, including the speaker cabinet. So when experiencing big air humidity and weather changes in colder areas like New York, regularly check the condition of your humidifier to ensure it is working properly.
Climate and Humidity
As a general rule, when it comes to temperature, if you wouldn’t want to sleep where you’re keeping your guitar, you probably shouldn’t keep it there. There isn’t a definite temperature range, but you should keep your guitar at a temperature that would be comfortable for you.
High humidity can make hardware corrode faster, so you’ll need to know how to clean a guitar more regularly.
When it comes to humidity, your guitar should be kept in an environment with somewhere in the neighborhood of 30% to 40%. You can measure the amount of humidity in a room (or your guitar case) with a guitar hygrometer.
Which Solid Wood Guitars Are Susceptible to Humidity?
While solid wood instruments generally sound better, guitars made with laminate wood are more resistant to humidity because the instrument is made up of layers of wood. Guitars with solid wood are susceptible to humidity because they’re a solid piece of wood flexing. If they flex too much or too often, cracks may occur.
Because it’s made up of layers as opposed to being one solid piece, a laminate instrument will flex in situations where a solid wood instrument would break.
Still, every guitar musician will need a guitar humidifier regardless of the wood material. This need for protection applies to both electric guitars and acoustic guitars.
The Best Way To Humidify Your Guitar (And How to Do It)
The best way, by far, to humidify your guitar is to put it in a case and use a guitar humidifier alongside a digital hygrometer.
The smaller the space the guitar is in, the easier it is to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity. If you leave your guitar on a stand or on aย Guitar Wall Hanger, you’re exposing the instrument to humidity and temperature changes. The same can be said when you leave the door open to your room, or if the heater kicks on in the middle of the night, your guitar can begin the process of drying out. If this happens consistently, you can still end up with cracks in your instrument, even if you’re using an in-room humidifier.
This is the reason why guitars are better protected in guitar cases paired with sponge humidifiers. All you have to do is buy an in-case sponge humidifier, supply it with water, and stick it in your case. Other humidifier types can also work as long as they can fit into a case without issue. This includes the other humidifiers that didn’t make it to the list, like the simple D’Addario Humidipak or the Kyser Lifeguard Humidifier, which sits on your guitar like a soundhole cover. Another good runner-up is the Dampit humidifier, which has a long rubber tube filled with sponge material.
The only thing you need to be aware of is that, for humidifiers that use a sponge, you want a damp sponge humidifier (not flooded or overly wet). Excess water and water vapor can wreak havoc on your instrument, so take care when using a humidifier.
Best Guitar Humidifier Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2017. The current edition was published in 2025.
We looked through all the Guitar Humidifiers and Guitar Case Hygrometers available from major online American music gear retailers and selected the most promising to put on our short-list to produce Gearank Ratings for – you can see many of them in our Music Gear Database. We then gathered and analyzed relevant ratings, reviews, forum discussions, and videos, including the most recent feedback.
All the data we gathered added up to over 20,200 sources, all of which were then processed via the Gearank Algorithm to produce rating scores out of 100 for each of them. Finally, we selected the highest rated options to recommend above. For more information about our methods, see How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide’s production – click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
After having encountered humidity problems firsthand, I’ve been diligently using humidifiers on my guitars. I personally prefer the simplicity and reliability of sponge-based humidifiers like the MN300. To make sure it works consistently, I set weekly reminders to check on the sponge.
Contributors
Allen Articulo: Product research and co-writing.
Alden Acosta: Product research.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media / Image Credit
Main/Top Image: By Gearank.com incorporating photographs of the D’Addario GH, Oasis OH-1, Oasis OH-2C, and a photograph by Wicker Paradise, which was used and modified under a CC BY 2.0 license.
The MN300 Demo video is by Alexander Briones and has been embedded in accordance with YouTube’s Terms of Service.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials, or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers, except for those that contain the Gearank logo, which were made by us.
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Comments:
8 responses
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All your products are for dry guitars,my guitar is too damp and swollen ,I require something to dry it out.
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There are ways to dry out a guitar that’s been too damp. But it’ll be best to consult with a luthier to prevent any further damage.
Humidifiers can help keep guitars dry. But you may have to use more of them and maintain them regularly in places with extreme humidity.
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The following items were removed from the recommended list above when we published the September 2022 Edition:
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Publication of our January 2022 Edition resulted in the following products coming off the recommended list above:
- D’Addario Acoustic Guitar Humidifier Humidipak PW-HPK-01
- Oasis OH-2C Digital Hygrometer With Clip
- Oasis OH-3 Guitar Hygrometer and Humidifier
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The following products were removed from our recommended list above when we published our February 2021 edition, but you can still see our analysis of them:
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As a result of the February 2020 Update the Oasis OH-6 Case Humidifier came off the recommended list above.
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Does my acoustic humidifier have to be in the case, or can the guitar be left hanging on the wall?
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These types of humidifiers have to be with the guitar in the case.
To hang a guitar on the wall you would need to get a room humidifier instead.
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More About Guitars
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide's production - click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Alexander Briones
I have been writing about and researching music gear for many years, all while serving as a music director at my local church. I engage in guitar playing and singer-songwriter stints, in addition to mentoring young musicians and teaching guitar and bass.
After having had encountered humidity problems first hand, I've been diligently using humidifiers on my guitars. I personally prefer the simplicity and reliability of sponge based humidifiers like the MN300. To make sure it works consistently, I set weekly reminders to check on the sponge.
Contributors
Allen Articulo: Product research and co-writing.
Alden Acosta: Product research.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media
Main/Top Image: By Gearank.com incorporating photographs of the D'Addario GH, Oasis OH-1, Oasis OH-2C and a photograph by Wicker Paradise which was used and modified under a CC BY 2.0 license.
The MN300 Demo video is by Alexander Briones and has been embedded in accordance with YouTube's Terms of Service.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers, except for those that contain the Gearank logo which were made by us.
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