Dehumidifier comparison
35 Pint vs 50 Pint Dehumidifier: Which Size Do You Need?
By the WhatSize editorial team 5 min read Standards-reviewed
The choice between a 35-pint and 50-pint dehumidifier usually comes down to one question: are you drying a normal living space or a damp basement? A 35-pint unit is built for medium rooms and lightly damp areas, while a 50-pint unit has the capacity and tank to handle larger or wetter spaces.
Both numbers reflect the 2019 DOE test standard (pints removed per day at 65°F / 60% RH). Because that standard re-rated older units downward, today's 35-pint is roughly equivalent to a pre-2019 “50-pint,” and today's 50-pint to an old “70-pint.” Sizing to your actual square footage and dampness matters more than the label.
35 Pint vs 50 Pint: Side-by-Side
| Factor | 35 Pint | 50 Pint |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage (sq ft) | 1,000 - 1,500 | 1,500 - 2,500 |
| Energy use | 300-450W | 400-550W |
| Noise level | 46-50 dB | 48-53 dB |
| Typical price | $120-$200 | $150-$250 |
| Tank size | 8-12 pints | 10-15 pints |
| Weight | 28-36 lbs | 32-42 lbs |
| Best for | Bedrooms, medium rooms | Basements, large rooms |
When to choose 35 Pint
- Your space is 1,000-1,500 sq ft with light to moderate dampness
- You're drying a bedroom, living room, or single floor rather than a basement
- Noise matters — 35-pint units run a few dB quieter
- You want the lowest upfront and running cost
- The space has good airflow and no standing-water issues
When to choose 50 Pint
- Your space is over 1,500 sq ft or noticeably damp
- You're drying a basement, crawl space, or unfinished area
- You want a larger tank and fewer empties (or plan to use a drain hose)
- You need faster moisture removal after rain or in a humid climate
- Dampness is bad enough that you smell mustiness or see condensation
Top pick for each option
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Best for 35 Pint
Best for 50 Pint
Frequently asked questions
Is a 35-pint dehumidifier enough for a basement?
Only for a small, dry-ish basement under about 1,500 sq ft. Most basements stay damp and have poor airflow, so a 50-pint unit (or larger) keeps up better and short-cycles less. If you can smell mustiness, size up to 50 pints.
How much more does a 50-pint cost to run than a 35-pint?
Roughly 100-150 more watts while running. At $0.14/kWh for about 12 hours a day, that's only $5-8 more per month — usually worth it if the larger unit removes moisture faster and runs less often overall.
Will a 50-pint unit be too big for a bedroom?
It can be. In a small, dry room a 50-pint unit reaches the target humidity quickly and then short-cycles, which is less efficient. For bedrooms and medium rooms, a 35-pint is the better match.
All Dehumidifier sizing guides
More dehumidifier sizing guides
- What Size Dehumidifier for a 500 Sq Ft Room?
- What Size Dehumidifier for a 1,000 Sq Ft Space?
- What Size Dehumidifier for a 1,500 Sq Ft Space?
- What Size Dehumidifier for a 2,000 Sq Ft Space?
- What Size Dehumidifier for a Basement?
- What Size Dehumidifier for a Bedroom?
- What Size Dehumidifier for a Crawl Space?
- 50-Pint vs 70-Pint Dehumidifier: Which Size Do You Need?
- What Size Dehumidifier for a Grow Room? Tent Sizing Guide
- What Temperature Does a Dehumidifier Stop Working? Winter Guide
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