In 30 years I’ve gotten 9 years at most out of a dehumidifier. I think something like 90% of them are now made by Midea (massive Chinese appliance manufacturer) so they are pretty similar in terms of build quality. I would buy on price alone at this point. Newer ones are definitely quieter than models from the 80s and 90s but take those noise ratings with a big grain of salt.

Zero people can help you as the #1 metric of dehumidifier purchase is based on the square footage served. Do you live in a 200 sq ft bedroom or a 2000 sq ft bathroom. And zero people can help for noise as that is a personal variable based on dB, Hz and your own hearing and annoyance levels so zero people and zero equipment documentation can help you with that....that's an in person opinion after the sale.

I'd say the best advice here is to hedge your expectations. Dehumidifiers are basically modified portable AC units. I've seen some newer window AC units like the midea U-shaped units achieve amazingly low noise levels by isolating the compressor outside. My midea U 8000BTU model measured at 40dB from a meter away on the quietest setting. It was a wonderful improvement over previous models, but I still opted to turn it off when recording audio rather than dealing with removing the sound in post or upping my noise floor.

I currently have a new Frigidaire 50 pint gallery dehumidifier. On its low setting, it still reaches about 50dB, and there is a loud thunk when the compressor kicks on and off. (I also hate their "smart" implementation, but that's a story for another comment). Sure, if you find a model with a variable compressor, you can avoid the thunk, but I don't know if those exist (they do for window AC units like the aforementioned midea unit), but without serious sound insulation around the compressor, it won't be quiet, and without massive fans, they won't be quiet either.

You also have to consider your load. In order for my dehumidifier to adequately dry the air in my apartment in the summer months, the compressor has to run about 80% of the time, and the fan has to be on the highest setting. I could solve this with another dehumidifier, but that's more power usage and more heat.

If you can make it work, your best option is likely a window AC unit instead, as they dehumidify as they work. You can actually get quiet operation, the added benefit of cooling, no need to empty a bucket, and much higher efficiency. The midea U 8000BTU unit I have has a CEER rating of 15 (the new GE profile 10000BTU is apparently better at 15.7 and can apparently reach the same quiet operation levels, but I haven't used it).

I've used the Midea U 8000BTU unit for 3 years with no issues, and I definitely recommend it.

I just got a Midea cube. Works great.

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We have a whole house Aprilaire (1968 1100sq ft brick ranch), $1200 on amazon.