Our Honest Pura Car Review: We Love Pura and FINALLY Love The Pura Car

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Pura Car: the ;tldr

Let’s be honest, we didn’t love the Pura Car at first sight.

However, now that Pura offers name-brand scents (and we’ve got a new ride), we now recommend the Pura Car.

Hey there, fresh scent enthusiasts! Let’s take a trip down memory lane to when we first sniffed out the Pura car freshener. Our initial thoughts? We were on the fence. But as you won’t see in other Pura Car Diffuser Reviews – we’ll shoot it to you 100% straight.

Since our last review, there’s been a shake-up in the We Tried It garage—we’ve got a shiny new car. And with that, Pura’s little gadget has been given a second chance to make a first impression. Spoiler alert: it’s like it was made for our new ride.

But it’s not just about the new car smell mingling with Pura’s charm. These folks have upped their game, hitting us with a lineup of scents that are like a VIP list of the fragrance world. That’s right, your favorite name-brand scents are now just a click away from cruising along with you.

So, in this updated review, we’re shifting gears to give you the full scoop on why the Pura car freshener might just deserve a spot in your automobile. Buckle up and let’s ride through this aromatic journey together!

Wasn't for us... until they added name-brand scents
Pura Car
4.8
$34.99

We love Pura, and the Pura Car is no exception. They fixed our biggest complaint by adding name-brand scents like Capri Blue Volcano and Fraiser Fir.

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We might earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

But after some research, at first: we decided we could not recommend the Pura Car. However, after a couple of announcements, we changed our tune.

Keep reading to find out why, and get our unbiased Pura Review, exclusive Pura Promo Code, and best Pura Scents. As fellow scent enthusiasts, we’re here to tell you our 100% honest thoughts in this Pura Car Review.

What is Pura?

Before we dive into the new car fragrance diffuser, we should discuss what exactly Pura is and how this new car device fits in their portfolio.

Pura is on a mission to revolutionize how you experience scents at home. Using the world’s first smart home scent diffuser, we’re bringing the power of aroma to your fingertips.

Imagine being able to control your favorite scent from the convenience of your phone, anytime and anywhere!

Pura is unlocking the potential of fragrance with smart diffuser technology, bringing exquisite and pure scents right to your doorstep. Pura’s fragrances are created with world-class perfumers (but that doesn’t mean they smell like perfume) ensuring only the finest ingredients are used. Pura’s partners include top fragrance companies such as Nest, Capri Blue, and Voluspa, bringing you top-quality scents you already know and love – but this time without the candle.

The Pura Smart Diffuser

Our #1 Smart Diffuser
Pura Smart Diffuser
5.0

What's better than candles? Something that smells EXACTLY like a candle and is less expensive. We've found the world's best smart diffuser, Pura. Get Pura and enjoy scents you already know and love, like Capri Blue and many, many more.

Pros:
  • Many scents that you already know and love
  • Inexpensive device
  • Holds two scents - not just one
  • Programmable with your Smart Phone
  • Nightlight
Cons:
  • Limited coverage (but can always buy 2)
  • Diffuser is frequently out of stock
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As someone who loves to have a pleasant fragrance wafting throughout my home, I was thrilled to discover the Pura Smart Diffuser. This smart home fragrance diffuser has saved us tons of money on candles and it allows me to control the scent of my home from my phone, and has a number of amazing features that make it a must-have for any home.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Pura Smart Diffuser is its range of fragrance options. It fills my home with the bestselling fragrances, from brands you already know and love – like NEST, Capri Blue and many, many more.

The device connects to your home network through an app-based system, which makes it incredibly easy to use. I simply connect it to my phone and can turn it on and off remotely, set schedules, and rotate between scents. The Pura app even offers customization options on scent intensity and frequency.

In terms of longevity, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Pura Smart Diffuser lasts quite a while. It can diffuse for up to 100 hours before a refill is needed, and app will notify me when it is time to swap out the fragrance vials.

What really sets the Pura Smart Diffuser apart in the market is its connection to the different brands. You know exactly what you are getting with every single fragrance you select, and they have minimal scents of their own.

Introducing Pura Car – the diffuser that makes your car smell great

A Car Pura… really?

The idea behind the Pura Car seems great – using the similar smart home diffuser technology to scent our car.

The Pura Car Diffuser is similar to the Pura Smart Diffuser but differs in a couple of ways.

What does it look like?

It is a small, sleek, smart device, designed to fit in your cup holder and is about as tall as 2-3 hockey pucks stacked on top of each other.

The advanced scent technology is better suited for the car, but comes with some other changes, too.

Only one scent at a time

One of the things we loved about the Pura Smart Diffuser is that it can alternate between contrasting scents. The Pura Car Diffuser can’t do that. It can only diffuse one scent at a time, and there is no ability to customize or change it while you are on the go.

Not the same fragrance vials

The first thing you’re probably thinking is, “Great! I can use my Pura scents in the car, too.”

Nope.

The Pura Car Diffuser’s scents come in a disc-shaped scent “hockey puck” design, which are probably less messy than the Smart Diffuser’s essential oils, but it’s also a different subscription to keep track of.

The fresh scents are still there, from teakwood and blue leather to creamy coconut to other natural scents.

Some cool features

The Pura Car does feature the ability to sync with the Pura Smart Phone App, but all it does is change the intensity (or turn it off).

Why does my scent diffuser need an accelerometer?

It also features an accelerometer that turns the device on. That way, the diffuser won’t run when your car isn’t in motion.

The Pura app simply controls how much scent is released, but isn’t really needed since you can’t use two scents at a time (unlike the Pura Device, like we’ve mentioned). Of course, if you need to tweak intensity, you can use the app. But after I find the right intensity, you probably don’t need to use it anymore.

Features a ton of great scents

The one thing that Pura has going for it over other diffusers we’ve tested (see our Aera Review or Aera Mini Review), is that Pura offers official scents from the brands you already know and love.

For so many brands, you can read the fragrance descriptions, but what does “bergamot” smell like? Or “sweet ocean breeze?”

That’s why we were attracted to Pura in the first place. We could get great scents like Capri Blue Volcano (read all about the best Capri Blue Volcano Dupes), without having to fork over $40+ for a giant Blue Volcano candle.

What scents are available for Pura car?

Alright, scent aficionados, gather around! Remember when Pura car fresheners were like that indie band only a few knew about, with their own unique but somewhat obscure scent playlist? Well, times have changed, and Pura has gone mainstream in the best possible way. They’ve rolled out the red carpet for some big-name scents, and let me tell you, it’s like a VIP party for your nostrils.

From Indie to Mainstream

Initially, Pura’s scent library was like a treasure trove of unknown gems—exciting, but unfamiliar. They had their in-house collection, which was great, but sometimes you just crave that hit single, you know? That’s where the big shift happened. Pura decided to swing open its doors to some chart-topping, crowd-pleasing fragrance legends.

Name-Brand Scents Galore – NEW!

The current lineup? It’s like the who’s who of the fragrance world. We’re talking big-ticket aromas that have graced the shelves of high-end stores and filled the rooms of luxury spas. Scents like Capri Blue’s Volcano—which, by the way, might as well be the official scent of joy and good vibes—bring a burst of tropical fruits and sugared citrus to your daily drive.

And for those who love a good ol’ holiday whiff, Pura didn’t forget about you. They’ve included scents like Fraiser Fir, which transports you to a winter wonderland faster than you can say “Jingle Bells.” It’s like Christmas in your car, minus the pine needles.

The Game Changer

What really drove us (pun totally intended) towards Pura’s new collection is this blend of familiarity and quality. It’s comforting to have scents that you already know and love. It’s like running into an old friend in a new city—you immediately feel more at home. Pura’s collaboration with these renowned scent creators means you’re getting a car freshener that’s not just functional but also a piece of luxury.

The big deal killer, for us: needing to be plugged in and taking up space

Pura car air freshener – needs a cord.

I don’t know about you, but our car charging space is limited – and so are cup holders.

They are both at a premium in our car (a Land Rover – known for the off-roading prowess, not the number of USB chargers and cup holders), and that makes it a deal-killer for us.

We only have two cup holders that are convenient to run a USB cord to, and those two cup holders are very valuable real-estate for us. That makes it really hard for us to justify having a diffuser with no ability to switch scents, and taking up one of our cup holders AND running a USB cord to.

However, we just a new Land Rover Defender that has plenty of space.

Differences between the Pura Car and Pura Smart Diffuser

Of course, right as I started working on this Pura Car Review, Pura creates this super handy graphic:

It’s a pretty clear the differences between Pura Car and Pura Home!

Pura Car: What We Didn’t Care For

Alright, let’s keep it real here. As much as we’ve come to appreciate our Pura car freshener (hello, scent party in our Defender!), it’s not all rainbows and fragrant roses. There are a couple of quirks that had us raising our eyebrows, just like our dog does when he hears the word “walk.”

The Soundtrack of Scent

First up, the noise. Now, we’re not talking rock concert levels here, but Pura does have a fan that spreads the fragrance, and it hums along like a little background singer. It’s noticeable, especially when you’re craving a bit of silence or trying to hear the latest gossip on your carpool rides. It’s the trade-off for having a well-distributed scent, but still, a quieter fan would be like having your cake and eating it too.

The USB-C Slot Saga

Then there’s the whole USB-C slot situation. Pura needs power, and in our Defender, it means occupying one of those precious USB-C slots. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not a deal-breaker, but in a world where every device is hungry for a charge, it’s like playing musical chairs with your gadgets. We’d definitely welcome more versatility in how Pura can be powered up.

Craving More Placement Flexibility

Space is another thing. Sure, our Defender has more room than our old car, but it’s like trying to find the perfect spot for that one piece of furniture in a tiny apartment. You wish there were more options. We’re keen on trying out the magnetic option for Pura, hoping it might give us a bit more freedom to place it just where we want. Keep your eyes peeled for an update on that!

You can also get a Pura car diffuser magnet to attach the diffuser anywhere you want.

Wrapping It Up

So, there you have it. Even with its newfound place in our car and hearts, Pura isn’t without its little imperfections. But hey, isn’t that true for all the best things in life? A bit of noise, a USB-C slot sacrifice, and a wish for more placement options – these are the tiny hiccups in what’s otherwise a pretty sweet ride down fragrance lane. Stay tuned as we continue to tinker and test, and we’ll be sure to keep you posted on our Pura adventures!

Alternatives to Pura Car

When it comes to freshening up your car, the options are as varied as the scents they offer. You might be familiar with the classic Glade Plugins, which have been a go-to for many due to their simplicity and wide availability. But let’s dive into some more advanced and unique alternatives to the Pura Car system.

Drift Car Freshener

For those who appreciate a blend of technology and simplicity, Drift presents a compelling option. Unlike the Pura Car, which boasts a more high-tech approach, Drift takes a step back and focuses on the basics, but with a twist of style. The best part about Drift? It’s completely cordless and conveniently clips onto your car visor.

Final Thoughts: Pura Car Diffuser

Wasn't for us... until they added name-brand scents
Pura Car
4.8
$34.99

We love Pura, and the Pura Car is no exception. They fixed our biggest complaint by adding name-brand scents like Capri Blue Volcano and Fraiser Fir.

Buy Now
We might earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

The Pura Car Diffuser is a great tool for those who want to enjoy their favorite scents while driving, but it does have some drawbacks. It doesn’t offer the same fragrance vials as the Smart Diffuser and can only diffuse one scent at a time without customizing or changing options on the go.

Drift car Review

Hey, remember when we were all about the low-tech charm of Drift air fresheners and thought Pura was like that extra gadget you buy but never use? Well, plot twist—we’ve had a change of heart, and it’s all thanks to the evolution of Pura and a little bit of car magic.

Initially, we were like, “Why crowd the car with another device?” But here’s the thing: Pura’s latest improvements have turned it from a maybe to a must-have. Sure, it takes up some space, but it’s like that one friend who always brings the best snacks to the party—you make room for them. And with our new car, Pura fits in like it was always meant to be there.

Embracing the Tech

Let’s talk about those cool features we mentioned before. Syncing with your phone app? It’s like having a remote control for your car’s scent. You can dial it up for a post-gym refresh or tone it down for a chill ride home. And the accelerometer? That’s just smart thinking. It means Pura’s not just sitting there, eating up scent when no one’s around. It’s like having a little scent ninja that knows when to leap into action and when to lay low.

Why We’re Now Team Pura

So, why the switch from Drift to Pura? It boils down to variety and a touch of luxury. Drift is great for its simplicity and affordability, no doubt. But Pura? It’s like stepping into a world of scents where you get to be the DJ. And with the introduction of name-brand fragrances, it’s like Pura went from being a cover band to headlining the show.

Want to scent a smaller space? Check out our Aera Mini Review, Aera Review, and Aroma360 Review.

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