The Waykar AFW1.5DPM 70 Pint leads our basement picks because it pairs a built-in pump with Energy Star certification, automatic defrost, continuous draining and a 5,000 sq ft coverage rating. We ranked it from published specifications only, without handling any unit. This guide covers 50-pint-and-up compressor dehumidifiers suited to below-grade spaces, focusing on drainage, cool-room operation and energy use.
Specs are the figures each maker lists. "Not listed" means we have no published figure yet.
The picks
Winner
1
Best overall basement pick
Waykar AFW1.5DPM 70 Pint
8.5Spec score
Leads because it combines a built-in pump, Energy Star certification, automatic defrost and continuous draining in a 5,000 sq ft coverage rating. Its 265-watt rating is lower than several pump models below, and the maker lists basement and crawl space among recommended uses. Compared with the hOmeLabs pick just below, it adds explicit basement use, Energy Star certification and a stated wattage.
Moisture removal
70 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
5,000 sq ft
Tank
Not listed
Pump
Built-in
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Yes
Good
Built-in pump
Energy Star certified
Automatic defrost and continuous draining
5,000 sq ft coverage rating
Watch out
Tank size not stated by the maker
Auto restart not stated by the maker
Low-temperature limit not stated by the maker
Good fit if
Basements with a floor drain or sink for the pump hose
Cool, damp below-grade rooms that need continuous drainage
Skip if
You need auto restart after power outages
You want a stated tank size for bucket-only use
Verdict: The most complete basement feature set among our picks from the published specs.
Sits just below the Waykar because it states neither a basement use nor Energy Star certification, but it offers a built-in pump, automatic defrost, a 7,500 sq ft coverage rating and a 12.8 pints (1.6 gal) tank. Compared with the ALORAIR below, it covers a much larger stated area and states a tank size, though it does not state auto restart.
Moisture removal
50 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
7,500 sq ft
Tank
12.8 pints
Pump
Built-in
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Not listed
Good
Built-in pump
Automatic defrost
7,500 sq ft coverage rating
12.8 pints (1.6 gal) tank
Watch out
Energy Star not stated by the maker
Auto restart not stated by the maker
Wattage not stated by the maker
Good fit if
Large open basements up to the stated coverage
Spaces where a pump can lift water to a sink or drain
Skip if
You need auto restart after outages
You want an Energy Star certified unit
Verdict: A strong pump-equipped option for larger basement footprints.
Ranks below the hOmeLabs because its 1,300 sq ft coverage rating is much smaller, but it adds automatic restart, a washable reusable filter and Energy Star certification, and the maker lists basement and crawl space uses. Compared with the Midea below, which also has a built-in pump, it lists automatic defrost and automatic restart, which the Midea does not state.
Moisture removal
55 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
1,300 sq ft
Tank
Not listed
Pump
Built-in
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Yes
Good
Built-in pump
Automatic defrost and auto restart
Washable reusable filter
Energy Star certified
Watch out
1,300 sq ft coverage rating
Tank size not stated by the maker
500-watt rating
Good fit if
Cool basements that may need defrost cycles
Homes where power blinks make auto restart useful
Skip if
You need a large coverage rating
You want a unit with a stated tank capacity
Verdict: The pick for cool, smaller basements that benefit from defrost and restart features.
Comes after the ALORAIR because it does not state automatic defrost or auto restart, but it offers a built-in pump, Energy Star certification, continuous draining and a 12.8 pints (1.6 gal) tank in an 11.1 by 15.43 by 24.25 inch cabinet. Compared with the Aprilaire below, it adds a pump, though the Aprilaire lists automatic defrost and automatic restart.
Moisture removal
50 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
Not listed
Tank
12.8 pints
Pump
Built-in
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Yes
Good
Built-in pump
Energy Star certified
12.8 pints (1.6 gal) tank
Continuous draining
Watch out
Automatic defrost not stated by the maker
Auto restart not stated by the maker
470-watt rating
Good fit if
Basements with a drain within pump reach
Homes that want a pump and a 12.8 pints (1.6 gal) tank
Skip if
You need defrost for a cold basement
You want auto restart after outages
Verdict: A pump-equipped, Energy Star certified choice for moderate basement conditions.
Ranks above the Waykar 150 Pint because it lists automatic defrost, automatic restart, anti-spill and automatic shutoff, all useful in a basement, though it does not state a pump. It also states a 4,400 sq ft coverage rating and Energy Star certification. Compared with the Midea above, it does not state a pump but lists automatic defrost and automatic restart.
Moisture removal
80 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
4,400 sq ft
Tank
Not listed
Pump
Not listed
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Yes
Good
Automatic defrost and auto restart
Anti-spill and automatic shutoff
4,400 sq ft coverage rating
Energy Star certified
Watch out
Pump not stated by the maker
612-watt rating
63 pounds
Good fit if
Basements that do not need water pumped upward
Cool spaces that need defrost and restart
Skip if
You need a pump to lift water upward
You want a lighter unit to move often
Verdict: A defrost and restart option for cool basements that do not need a pump.
Sits below the Aprilaire because it does not state automatic defrost or auto restart, but it offers a built-in pump, Energy Star certification, a 15 pints (1.88 gal) tank and a 7,000 sq ft coverage rating. Compared with the AEOCKY LEO below, it adds a larger tank and states a digital display, which the LEO does not state, though it is listed for commercial use.
Moisture removal
150 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
7,000 sq ft
Tank
15 pints
Pump
Built-in
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Yes
Good
Built-in pump
Energy Star certified
15 pints (1.88 gal) tank
7,000 sq ft coverage rating
Watch out
Automatic defrost not stated by the maker
Auto restart not stated by the maker
Listed for commercial use
Good fit if
Large or very damp basements
Spaces where a pump and large tank reduce emptying
Skip if
You need defrost for cool conditions
You want a residential-focused unit
Verdict: A pump pick with the largest stated tank among these picks, for very damp basements.
Ranks below the Waykar 150 Pint because it has a smaller 11.6 pints (1.45 gal) tank and a 4,500 sq ft coverage rating, but it keeps a built-in pump, Energy Star certification and a timer. Compared with the AEOCKY 140 Pint below, it has a smaller cabinet, though it states less coverage and a smaller tank.
Moisture removal
80 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
4,500 sq ft
Tank
11.6 pints
Pump
Built-in
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Yes
Good
Built-in pump
Energy Star certified
11.6 pints (1.45 gal) tank
Timer
Watch out
Automatic defrost not stated by the maker
Auto restart not stated by the maker
4,500 sq ft coverage rating
Good fit if
Basements with a drain for pump use
Households that want a simple timer feature
Skip if
You need defrost for cool conditions
You want a larger coverage rating
Verdict: A straightforward pump-equipped unit for moderate basement spaces.
Ranks above the Waykar AFW 158 Pint because it adds Energy Star certification and a 14.8 pints (1.85 gal) tank, while keeping a built-in pump and an 8,000 sq ft coverage rating. Compared with the AEOCKY LEO above, it offers more coverage and a larger tank, though its cabinet is larger.
Moisture removal
140 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
8,000 sq ft
Tank
14.8 pints
Pump
Built-in
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Yes
Good
Built-in pump
Energy Star certified
14.8 pints (1.85 gal) tank
8,000 sq ft coverage rating
Watch out
Automatic defrost not stated by the maker
Auto restart not stated by the maker
Large dimensions
Good fit if
Very large basements
Spaces where a large tank reduces emptying frequency
Skip if
You need defrost for cool conditions
You want a compact unit
Verdict: A high-coverage pump pick with a generous tank for big basements.
Ranks below the AEOCKY 140 Pint because it does not state Energy Star certification, but it offers a built-in pump, automatic defrost and a 7,500 sq ft coverage rating. Compared with the Midea MAD50C1AWS-A below, it adds a pump and far more coverage, though it is heavier at 73.9 pounds.
Moisture removal
158 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
7,500 sq ft
Tank
Not listed
Pump
Built-in
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Not listed
Good
Built-in pump
7,500 sq ft coverage rating
Automatic defrost
Continuous draining
Watch out
Energy Star not stated by the maker
Tank size not stated by the maker
73.9 pounds
Good fit if
Very damp or large basements
Spaces where a pump and defrost are priorities
Skip if
You want Energy Star certification
You need a lighter unit
Verdict: A wide-coverage pump option with automatic defrost for large basements.
Ranks last among our picks because it does not state a pump, automatic defrost or auto restart, but it offers Energy Star certification, a 12.8 pints (1.6 gal) tank and a 4,500 sq ft coverage rating in an 11.1 by 15.43 by 24.25 inch cabinet. Compared with the Waykar AFW 158 Pint above, it is lighter and smaller, though it does not state a pump.
Moisture removal
50 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
4,500 sq ft
Tank
12.8 pints
Pump
Not listed
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Yes
Good
Energy Star certified
12.8 pints (1.6 gal) tank
4,500 sq ft coverage rating
Continuous draining
Watch out
Pump not stated by the maker
Automatic defrost not stated by the maker
Auto restart not stated by the maker
Good fit if
Basements with a floor drain for gravity drainage
Households that prefer a smaller, lighter unit
Skip if
You need a pump to lift water
You want defrost for cool basements
Verdict: A compact no-pump choice for moderate basement conditions.
The spec score is based only on the specifications stated in each product's title on the store. It is not a hands-on rating, and it does not say whether a model suits your room.
What counts
Weight
Moisture removal (pints per day)
5
Rated area (sq ft)
2
Energy Star certified
2
Built-in pump
1
Each stated figure is compared with the best one among the models on this page, so the strongest model on a figure earns its full weight. A pump or an Energy Star rating counts when the title states it and counts as zero when it does not. A figure the title does not state is left out of the sum. A model needs at least two stated figures to get a score, and a page shows scores only when every model on it has one.
How we picked
We compared the candidates using only the published specifications in the catalog. No unit was handled, used or measured. We ranked picks on features that matter for basements: built-in pump, Energy Star certification, automatic defrost, auto restart, continuous draining, tank size, coverage rating and wattage. Because the makers do not state the pint rating basis, we did not rank on pints per day.
We gave the top spot to a unit that combines a pump with defrost and Energy Star certification, then ordered the rest by the number and usefulness of basement-specific features. Brand distribution was checked so no brand holds more than half of the picks.
Why a built-in pump matters in a basement
A built-in pump lets the unit push collected water upward to a sink, floor drain or window, which is useful when the basement drain sits above the unit. Without a pump, you rely on gravity drainage or empty the bucket by hand. For more on this choice, see our built-in pump vs gravity drain guide.
Cool basements and defrost cycles
Basements often stay below 65°F, where frost can form on coils and reduce moisture removal. Automatic defrost helps the unit cycle through frost without manual intervention. Look for automatic defrost and, where the maker states one, a low-temperature operating limit. Our defrost cycles explained article covers the details.
Energy Star and running costs
Energy Star certified dehumidifiers use about 20% less energy than conventional units, according to the program. Look for the label if you run the unit continuously. See what Energy Star means for running costs for more.
Placement and airflow in a basement
Leave clearance around the unit so air can circulate. Most portable dehumidifiers have top-mounted air discharge, but check the maker's guidance. Doors and windows to the basement should stay closed while the unit runs. Our basement placement guide has setup tips.
Tank size and continuous drain
A larger tank means fewer trips to empty, but continuous draining through a hose removes the chore entirely. If you choose continuous drain, route the hose to a floor drain or sump. See continuous drainage setup basics for step-by-step advice.
ENERGY STAR lists 25 to 40 pints per day for very damp spaces and 30 to 50 for wet ones, on the current DOE rating method. The makers here do not state their rating basis, and a figure from the older method reads higher, so also check the coverage rating in square feet. See choosing capacity for a basement.
Is a built-in pump needed for a basement?
A pump helps if you need to move water upward to a drain or sink. If you have a floor drain below the unit, gravity drainage may work without a pump.
Will a dehumidifier work in a cold basement?
Compressor dehumidifiers can frost up below 65°F. Look for automatic defrost and, where stated, a low-temperature operating limit.
How often should the bucket be emptied?
It depends on the tank size and the moisture load. A 12.8 pints (1.6 gal) tank fills sooner in a wet basement than in a slightly damp one. Continuous draining removes the need to empty.
Is Energy Star important for a basement dehumidifier?
Energy Star certified models use about 20% less energy than conventional units, which can matter if the unit runs often. Look for the label if energy use is a concern.
