GE APER50LZ 50-Pint Dehumidifier with Built-in Pump vs Honeywell TP50WKN 50-Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier

The GE APER50LZ is the strong-pump specialist for difficult basements. Its built-in pump and 16-foot hose push collected water up and out, the single most important feature when the nearest drain sits above the unit, which is common in below-grade basements. RTINGS named it a top basement pick, and owners rate it 4.5 stars. It is loud and GE has since superseded it, but as a dedicated pump unit for hard-to-drain basements it remains a clear pick.

The Honeywell TP50WKN is the quiet pick for a basement that doubles as living space. Live Science measured it holding a steady ~61 dB next to the unit, quiet enough not to talk over, and owners give it 4.5 stars across more than 1,400 ratings. Its mirage display reads humidity from across the room, it covers up to 3,000 sq ft, and auto-defrost keeps it going in cool basements. There is no pump and the tank is small, so plan for a gravity drain.