To find the best picks for your bedroom, living room, and beyond, we tested 24 of the most popular oil diffusers on the market, evaluating them based on type, runtime, capacity, ease of use, effectiveness, and price. For expert insight, we consulted Adora Winquist , certified holistic aromatherapist and founder of the Soul Institute; Amy Kreydin , ARCB board-certified reflexologist, certified clinical aromatherapist, and owner of The Barefoot Dragonfly, and Sabahat Amiler , organic soap maker and essential oil specialist. Combining their advice with our own findings, we compiled our list of the best essential oil diffusers.
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Whether you use them for their fragrance or potential health benefits, one of the best ways to enjoy essential oils is through a diffuser. However, choosing the right one for your needs can be challenging. There are many factors to consider, including the size of your space, how much upkeep you're willing to deal with, and whether you want an electric or a power-free option . If you're feeling overwhelmed by the wide range of options, we're here to help.
This patented-technology diffuser has a sleek and minimalistic white design and five ambient light settings so you can adjust its brightness. We found the light&#;s glow to be extremely calming and not harsh at all. It does beep when the water runs out, which sometimes happens in the middle of the night, but the sound is faint enough that it hasn't woken us up. In fact, it's so quiet that we often forget it's on. Our only complaint involves the machine's size&#;since it's fairly big, it isn't really be suitable for a smaller side table or bedside cabinet .
This two-in-one diffuser includes 100% pure, handcrafted, pink Himalayan salt rocks , a heated base to heat up the rocks and activate the salt therapy, and a water tank for you to add your favorite essential oils to. You need to remove multiple covers in order to drop the oils into the tank&#;which proved to be simple yet time-consuming&#;and a few drops are needed to fill the room with a wonderful aroma. We also found it easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth. After six months of use, we've noticed no changes in quality, a testament to this diffuser's durability.
The PureGlow Crystal machine by Pure Enrichment offers all the benefits of a salt lamp and an essential oil diffuser in one stylish device. Combining aromatherapy with halotherapy&#;a salt treatment involving inhaling air with tiny salt particles&#;this innovative model provides a unique and soothing experience. Unlike some other models, it's actually really nice to look at, so there's no need to hide it away in a corner.
This little device is ideal for road trips&#;just fill with water and pop in a couple drops of lavender oil before you get in the car, then plug it in, and you're good to go. The noise is subtle, and we couldn't really hear it when the car was running. It easily wipes clean with a paper towel, and you can give the water container a good rinse whenever you fill it up to keep mold away. Just note that if you live in a climate where temperatures dip below freezing, the water in the tank will freeze and stop working until it melts again.
It includes two misting modes&#;continuous and intermittent&#;that can run for up to three hours as well as several LED light color options, which are soothing enough to use as a night light. While the design isn&#;t anything to write home about, it&#;s the best shape for fitting in a car&#;s cup holder (a little larger than a soda can) and designed to operate via the car's USB port. There is only one mist intensity and options to turn off the lights, have it set on a certain color, or cycle through them.
Whether you're in the car, at a hotel, or even in an office cubicle, the small InnoGear diffuser allows you to diffuse oils wherever you go. Its small build (just 5 inches in height and 0.29 pounds in weight) means it will take up minimal space in your tote bag or luggage. This to-go diffuser doesn't get hot to the touch, provides a cool mist, and is made from BPA-free plastic. Over the last six months of use, we've really enjoyed the diffuser's calming aromas.
From 10 to 15 feet away, the aroma was pleasant without being overpowering. We appreciate the LED light, which is adjustable in all colors and can be dimmed or set brighter as desired. The controls are all on the app, and while it&#;s easy to use and understand, connecting and syncing it up may take a little time in the beginning. The app's connection sometimes got a little wonky, as well, forcing us to reset the device and reschedule the times to get it working again. That said, this might not be the best option for those who aren&#;t particularly tech savvy. The fragrances are also a bit expensive.
This diffuser doesn&#;t make any noise whatsoever, so you'll practically forget it's there. The package comes with two scents that fit in the device at the same time, and there are plenty more scents to choose from. No water is required, so all you need to do is remove the diffuser&#;s cover and pop in the scent bottles before putting the cover back on. We found the process to be effortless, and there's no need to clean it, either&#;when the scent bottle is finished, you simply throw it away and replace it. After two months of use, this diffuser is still exceeding our expectations.
The cute and very discrete Pura 3 Home Fragrance Diffuser is compatible with a smartphone or tablet via an app that allows for easy operation and enables you to set schedules (our favorite feature) and work the lights. It takes up minimal space as it simply sits in an outlet, although it might be hard to plug an extra item next to it in a double socket.
The diffuser has a ring around the bottom that glows when it's on, and you can't turn it off, so it could potentially disturb lighter sleepers. The scent is also very strong, so it wouldn&#;t be practical to keep it right next to you while you sleep. If you keep it across the room, the light and scent shouldn&#;t be too much of a problem.
We found the scent to be detectable all over a large room with tall ceilings from at least 10 to 15 feet away&#;and we could still smell it long after it shut off. The mist was also truly invisible, just as the manufacturer claimed. It emits an audible yet quiet noise, which we usually can't hear once it's been on for a while. Every 50 seconds, the machine dispenses scent for 10 seconds, which sounds like a small pump. Since there is no water or sticky mess, cleaning simply consists of dusting it every so often.
There is only one button on this device (on/off), and it&#;s super easy to use. You simply slide the lid off the base and screw a small bottle of essential oil into the designated spot. It comes with an empty refillable bottle, which you can either top off or replace with a new one. The device runs for two hours and then automatically shuts itself off, so it's very simple to operate. We especially love turning it on right before we step out, so we can come home to a fresh smell. It has maintained its quality throughout six months of use, with no clogs or changes in output.
This small yet mighty 5-inch-tall Eco Nebulizing Diffuser is modern, sleek, and simple. The outer shell is made of silver metal, and the top is white, so it exudes a very clean and fresh appearance. It doesn&#;t come in any other color options, but it's small enough that you can hide it behind other decor items.
We were impressed by this diffuser's broad reach&#; the scent extended throughout the whole room, lingering long after the diffuser stopped running. The mist was very light, only visible when we were standing within 3 to 5 feet of the machine. Cleaning the diffuser consisted of simply wiping it with a damp cloth with a little bit of soap, then wiping it with a dry cloth.
The diffuser is practically silent, and adding the water and oils was incredibly easy&#;you just take the top off, add the water and a few drops of oils, then put the top back on. That&#;s all there is to it, and it took under a minute with no huge risk of spillage. There are two control buttons on the machine for the lights and the mist, and the operating buttons let you choose between several timing options. There's even an automatic shut-off feature if the water runs out. After six months of consistent use, it still works as good as new.
Measuring just under 7 inches in height, the Homeweeks Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser is small enough to bring from room to room. In fact, its compact frame can even fit in a suitcase , making it a convenient travel companion. It has a simple yet sleek aesthetic with a wooden base and a white/transparent top part that can transition into any one of seven bold and muted colors, creating your desired room atmosphere. There&#;s also the option of having the lights off while the diffuser is running, which is suitable for bedtime use.
It produces a thick, inch-wide stream of mist that spills down the sides of the diffuser and extends visibly for less than a foot. Even after six months of use, the output remains consistently strong. When full of water, it has a six-hour runtime. Adding oil is a breeze, as the top lifts off and the water bowl inside is very wide&#;practically as wide as the whole diffuser. This made for an easy, spill-free cleaning process. We rinsed it with warm water and a bit of vinegar and used a cotton swab to clean in the cracks and corners.
This diffuser supposedly has two different intensity settings, but they both sounded the same and produced an equal output of mist in our testing. The buttons also look identical, so we had to check the manual (and experiment a little) to figure out what each did. Despite some trial and error, it didn't take us very long to get the hang of it&#;one button controls the light, and the other sets the mist level and timer. We could smell the essential oils from about 10 feet away, regardless of the room we were in, and the scent even drifted to other areas of our apartment. Better yet, it provided a bit of humidity, counteracting the drying effects of our radiators.
Available in four wooden colors, the BZseed Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Humidifier boasts a nice design given its low price. The cord is white, though, so it may stand out if it's not hidden. This diffuser has indicator lights on the buttons and in a ring around the device with several color settings to choose from. While the lights can't be shut off entirely, they can be dimmed, serving as a nightlight in darker settings. It makes a soft gurgling or trickling sound in use, which proved to be noticeable but not disruptive.
The two intensity settings felt about the same, and the white cord doesn't match the wood-colored body.
It's worth noting that this diffuser won't fit tall bottles of essential oils. After retrieving a citrus scent from our local co-op, we were disappointed to find that when we dumped it upside down in the well, we couldn't get the housing back on because it was too large. Thankfully, we were still able to use the scent on the puck, but we had really wanted that stronger, longer-lasting diffusion. You should also purchase a new well every time you want to use a new scent, as it becomes pretty saturated by the oil. It's $20 for a three-pack , which seems fair, though it is an added cost.
There are two ways to add oil to this diffuser: The first is by dripping two to five drops onto the puck and turning the fan on for a milder aroma that lasts a shorter amount of time. This allows you to switch up the scent more often, though we found the scent hardly noticeable. The second option, which is more intense, involves emptying an entire bottle of essential oils into the machine's well by flipping the bottle upside down and leaving it there until the last drop comes out. Once the fan is turned on, the aroma spreads around the room wonderfully, lasting about two weeks. There is no water, no vapor, and no sticky mess, so this machine doesn&#;t need to be cleaned other than a light dusting on top when doing our regular home clean . After six months of use, this diffuser is still working perfectly.
When you power up the device, three dim indicator lights turn on and can adjust the three speeds of the fan. Aside from these, there are no other light features available. We appreciated the diffuser's nearly silent operation&#;it was only slightly audible due to the fan inside (which sounded similar to a very light noise machine ).
Touted as the &#;world&#;s cleanest aroma diffuser&#; that needs no water and emits no mold or mist, we were very excited to get our hands on the Canopy Aroma Diffuser. This machine is of a compact size with a very clean, minimalist design. The three neutral color options&#;white, cream, and moonstruck (a light brown/gray)&#;will fit in with most decor. Although it&#;s on the higher end of the price spectrum, it's not an eyesore like some of the cheaper plastic diffusers available; this one feels elevated and top notch.
There&#;s no water, no mist, no vapor, and no sticky mess to clean up; plus, it runs for two weeks straight.
We were impressed by this diffuser's reach, as the scents cascaded across different rooms of our apartment. The mist was noticeable coming out of the top of the machine&#;reaching about a foot in height&#;without feeling intrusive or as if there was a fog machine in the room. The flask and lid are also removable, making the device easy to wash, dry, and use again. It's worth noting that this diffuser only comes in two color options, light brown wood or black, but we found them pretty universal. After six months of daily use, it still works just as well as the day we got it.
This diffuser is easy to use, doesn't need water, and comes in just three pieces: the base, the flask, and the small stopper-style lid. The oil goes into the glass piece, which we found super easy to load up thanks to its small removable lid. This device is also very intuitive, as it includes only one button: a knob that can be turned to the right to choose your desired intensity and duration. The timer alternates between two minutes on and one minute off for two hours straight.
Sleek and stylish, the Organic Aromas Raindrop Nebulizing Diffuser can add a peaceful aura to any space. We found this especially true in dark rooms, as the diffuser&#;s own lights provide ample ambiance&#;it has eight color settings that can either change periodically or stay solid. The diffuser itself is comparable in size to a 1-liter water bottle, but a little shorter, so it takes up minimal space. We especially liked the slight purring noise it emits while operating, which we found non-disruptive and relaxing.
Although it comes with clear instructions, the machine is so intuitive we didn&#;t need them&#;there are only two buttons: light and mist. Once you push the button, a green light indicates that the diffuser is on and mist comes out. The other button correlates with the LED lights, cycling through the colors as you press it. After six months of use, the diffuser is still exceeding our expectations.
This device is super quiet&#;even when sitting right next to it, we often had to double check to make sure it was on. It&#;s easy to add oil to&#;simply twist the top off, add water and oil, and screw it back on until it clicks in place. This process requires zero elbow grease, though we did have to squint a little to see the faint water fill line. Cleaning it with water and a baby bottle brush was a breeze, too.
With its neutral and minimalistic design, the InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser fits in with any decor and style. It's even available in five colors, so you can achieve the perfect match for your space. This compact diffuser emits relaxing lights, filling any small room with its fragrance. Given its portable size, we don't think it would be as effective in a larger space.
It's so quiet during operation that we have to double check to make sure it's actually on.
Although we noticed some mild buildup after two months of consistent use, the diffuser was easy to clean with just mild soap and water in the sink. It lasted through the six-month testing period with no changes in quality or noticeable odors. Overall, it's easy to operate, compact, simple to fill, attractive to look at, has a remote control and a useful timer feature, and doubles as a mood/night light&#;what's not to love?
Adding oil is easy&#;just lift off the top cover and drop the desired amount into the water reservoir. The water tank is integrated into the unit as opposed to being detachable, so you can fill it with the supplied cup to the fill line. We found this process easy and spill free.
This fairly small diffuser blends in really well on top of a dresser or a side table, and it&#;s so quiet that we could barely hear it when running on any setting&#;we were even able to sleep with it on. The controls are intuitive, and it beeps discreetly as you're adjusting the settings. It also has a timer so you can set it to run constantly or for one, two, or three hours at a time. We did, however, have to refer to the manual a few times to figure out what all the beeps indicated.
As our top pick for the best essential oil diffuser, this option from Asakuki features LED lights that make it perfect for evening relaxation. It has multiple misting modes and remote control operation. There are seven colorways to choose from, ensuring you can match your home's decor. Plus, it&#;s reasonably priced.
Final Verdict
Our top diffuser recommendation is the Asakuki Rock Essential Oil Diffuser, which features seven LED lights, multiple misting modes, timer options with automatic shut-off, and a handy remote control. For a budget-friendly option, we recommend the InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser, which offers ambient lighting and noiseless operation.
Our Testing Process
We tested 23 of the most popular and best-selling essential oil diffusers on the market to come up with our list of the best 10. First, we noted how easy it was to set up, add water and oils, and operate each device. Testing all of the different settings, we observed the runtime, output intensity, noise level, and reach.
For diffusers with lights, we took into consideration how strong or weak they were and whether they were dimmable or able to be turned off. We then cleaned the diffusers, noting the ease or difficulty of the process. For portable models, we took them out for a spin and tested how easy they were to transport.
To gather long-term insights, we evaluated each item's performance and durability after two and six months of use. Using our findings, we compiled a list of the best essential oil diffusers on the market.
Real Simple / Brendan Harkness
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How to Shop for Essential Oil Diffusers Like a Pro
Type
In addition to essential oil diffuser combos, i.e., lamp/diffuser, humidifier/diffuser, there are four main types of diffusers. These differ based on the way that they disperse the essential oils into the air.
Tank Size and Runtime
The tank of an ultrasonic, heat, or evaporative essential oil diffuser is the container that holds the water. Nebulizers do not need water to operate and therefore have no tank. The tank size is only relevant in relation to how long the machine can run before needing a refill. A smaller tank's water contents will evaporate quicker than a large-capacity one; however, this is also a matter of whether it's on a high or low setting. The tank size also does not determine how much area a diffuser can cover&#;this is instead dependent on the diffuser's power.
According to Winquist, a 30-milliliter (1-ounce) tank size will accommodate approximately 1,000 square feet. &#;It is best to time your diffusing 10 minutes on and 25 off to avoid the nervous system overload through the olfactory system and to converse your essential oil. This is a field of plant medicine where more is not necessarily more effective," she says.
Style
Diffusers come in several different materials, colors, and designs, which Winquist suggests is more of an aesthetic area of subjective taste. The most common material for a diffuser is plastic (most are BPA free), which also tend to be the most economical options on the market. However, ceramic, marble, rattan, and glass diffusers are also available. Some models feature funky lighting with adjustable settings, and/or interesting shapes and stylish exteriors designed to be displayed. Most diffusers are discreet and small in size&#;up to around 8 inches in height&#;and made to sit on a shelf or a table, but much larger freestanding or table-style diffusers with legs are also available. These are usually best for larger spaces and are typically more expensive.
Features
The most common essential oil diffuser features are lights, timers, automatic shut-off, remote control operation, and smartphone compatibility. Some have audible beeps as you&#;re switching through the settings, and some have a small alarm to let you know that they&#;ve finished or when it&#;s time to replace the water.
You won&#;t really find multiple buttons on these little machines; they tend to have just one on/off button that also doubles up as the timer setting. An extra button may be for the light feature. Diffusers with lights may have several color options as well as intensity settings, and these may even be dimmable.
&#;The most important feature is a timer equipped with an automatic shut-off,&#; Winquist says. &#;All other nuances are more for aesthetic purposes or efficiency in the case of a remote.&#;
Real Simple / Tatiana Kennedy
More Essential Oil Diffusers to Consider
Vitruvi Stone Ceramic Diffuser: This popular high-end diffuser uses ultrasonic vibrations to diffuse the essential oils so that they keep their integrity for longer. While most diffusers on the market have a very plasticky look and feel to them, this model looks like a small artisanal terracotta vase. It&#;s made from porcelain with a sandy, textural ceramic finish and features a warm light that can be used whether the diffuser is on or not. We found the top a little hard to take off and on at first, but this got easier as time went by. We also noticed that it only holds a shot glass worth of water, but this lasts the fill four hours as stated.
Urpower Essential Oil Diffuser: This ultrasonic model features four mist timer modes, seven LED colors, two buttons to control the light and mist, and a timer that can be set to 60 minutes, 180 minutes, 300 minutes, or continuous mode. The design is pretty basic, but it takes up minimal space and doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. We found it to be a little bit noisier than some of the other machines we tested, but it was super easy to clean with a simple wipedown and a rinse of the tank.
Better Homes & Gardens 3-Piece Diffuser Set: This compact diffuser has a cute design and a great price, and it comes with two essential oil bottles. It doesn't stand out in the room or appear out of place; in fact, it looks a little like a candle holder because the rotating light even flickers (you can set this to the color of your choice or allow them to cycle). The diffuser doesn't have an indicator light when it's on, but you can hear it running (this is just a slight hum and is not very loud at all).
Real Simple / Elise Wang
Questions You Might Ask
What are the benefits of a diffuser?
&#;Diffusers are a great way to change the energy of a room, usher us into a new season, and assist in establishing that boundary between the external busy world and the one we create in our home to nurture and restore us before we go back out again,&#; Kreydin says.
Aside from making your home smell nice, oils can be used for certain purposes&#;for example, lavender oil can help relieve stress and insomnia. Winquist explains that essential oils are biochemically active, containing hundreds of chemical constituents that contribute to their aromatic profile as well as their physiological benefits. For example, she says that linalool, one of the main chemical components of lavender, contributes to its nervine nature.
Essential oils work in a multitude of ways, the most immediate and sustainable way being inhalation &#;because of the proximity of the nose to the brain, specifically the limbic system, which regulates so much of our physiology, including mood, memory, and emotion,&#; Winquist says. Due to their molecular size, she says that essential oils pass through the blood-brain barrier, providing important phytonutrients throughout our body. This can lead to a wide range of benefits&#;boosting immunity, calming anxiousness, uplifting emotions, fighting inflammation, and more.
According to Winquist, the right essential oils in the correct formulation have the ability to shift our mood, thoughts, conscious awareness, and therefore our overall physiological response. &#;This makes essential oils perhaps one of the most effective ways to balance stress response and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),&#; she says.
How much you&#;re able to benefit from an essential oil diffuser also depends on the quality of the essential oils, according to Amiler. "Make sure you buy 100% essential oils and not synthetic oils or perfume mixtures," she says. "Though there are many cheap options on the market, it's worth spending that little bit extra on pure and organic oils that will provide the maximum benefit."
Finally, considering that most diffusers also act as lamps (with multiple color options and brightness settings), these little devices can also provide a relaxing atmosphere for better sleep or everyday relaxation.
How do you clean essential oil diffusers?
To ensure you keep your essential oil diffuser in tip-top shape after every use, there are a few simple steps you can take to clean it about once a month. Some diffusers come with their own specific cleaning instructions, so always be sure to read the manual.
To start cleaning an essential oil diffuser, ensure it is unplugged and fill it halfway to the maximum fill mark with a mix of water and 10 drops of pure white vinegar. Then, run the diffuser for about five minutes for the liquid mixture to clean within the diffuser. When it's finished, drain it completely, and touch up any corners or hard-to-reach spots with a cotton swab dipped in white vinegar.
&#;Most diffusers can be cleaned with a little rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or swab,&#; Kreydin says. &#;Highly viscous essential oils may need a little extra elbow grease, as they love to hang around.&#;
Other diffusers, like high-quality nebulizers, come with filters that Winquist says prevent viruses, bacteria, pollen, dust, etc. She says that high-quality filters typically last at least one year before replacement and will not require cleaning.
Are essential oil diffusers safe to use around kids and pets?
When it comes to children, you should limit the use of aromatherapy to children over the age of three and only use oils that have been studied and deemed safe for them, including lavender, peppermint, citrus, such as sweet orange or mandarin, and ginger. That said, you should always talk to your doctor before you use any essential oils around your children.
If you have pets, there are several essential oils you should never diffuse. Depending on which type of animal you have, these could include tea tree oil, wintergreen, eucalyptus, peppermint, and many other popular aromas. Check the Pet Poison Helpline for complete info&#;it has specific recommendations for both dogs and cats.
&#;Context is key,&#; Winquist says. &#;For use around children and pets, it is best to diffuse five minutes on and approximately 20 minutes off to avoid nervous system overload. The most important element to consider is the purity of your essential oils. Know your source and build your own lexicon of purity through study and practice.&#; Again, please consult your doctor to confirm what's best for your family.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 10 years of commerce writing experience, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. For this roundup, we tested 24 different oil diffusers over the course of several weeks. We also spoke to Adora Winquist, certified holistic aromatherapist, founder of the Soul Institute; Amy Kreydin, ARCB board certified reflexologist and certified clinical aromatherapist, owner of The Barefoot Dragonfly; and Sabahat Amiler, organic soap maker and essential oil specialist.
What Is Real Simple Selects?
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team&#;put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn't an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.
Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.
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