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If you’re looking for a way to make your home smell amazing, you need a diffuser. But with so many on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose. That’s why we’ve researched for you and compiled a list of the best home diffusers out there.
From ultrasonic to reed diffusers, there’s something for everyone on this list. So take a look and find the perfect one for your home. Your nose will thank you!
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.
- Many scents that you already know and love
- Inexpensive device
- Holds two scents - not just one
- Programmable with your Smart Phone
- Nightlight
- Limited coverage (but can always buy 2)
- Diffuser is frequently out of stock
What is a diffuser?
A diffuser is a device used to disperse scent into the air. If you’re looking for one of the best diffusers on the market, we’ve got everything you need to know, here.
From old fashioned reed diffusers to HVAC Diffusers, there is no shortage of options available. Some diffusers use heat to vaporize the essential oils, while others use cold air diffusion. No matter your preference, we’ve compiled a list of the best home diffusers on the market today.
Why even get a diffuser?
A diffuser is a great way to naturally improve the smell and atmosphere of your home or office.
It’s a better alternative to candles because it ensures that your home smells great without the need for an open flame. Plus, you get to choose the scent of your preference depending on the essential oils you use in your diffuser!
Diffusers allow you to disperse essential oils into the air, which can help create a calming, relaxing ambiance. Essential oils are known for their therapeutic and healing properties (but don’t believe everything you read on the internet!), so diffusing them in your environment can benefit your physical and mental health.
Diffusers also provide natural air purification, as some essential oils can help remove impurities from the air such as smoke, dust, odors, and other pollutants. Be leery of any health or wellness claim, because while some essential oil diffusers have therapeutic properties, they should never replace a trip to the doctor.
In short: they are a great way to freshen up any room, and make for a lovely addition to your home or office.
Different kinds of diffusers
Diffusers are a great way to make your home a fragrant and comfortable space, but with all the options out there, choosing the right one for you can be overwhelming.
An example of different ways to spread scent: Fraiser Fir
Like so many others, we love the Fraiser Fir scent, especially in the winter.
There are a remarkable number of ways to spread the Fraiser Fir scent, for example:
- The typical candle
- Reed Diffuser Oil
- Home fragrance mist
- Wood cleaning spray
- Surface scrub
- Hand cream
- Pura
- Essential Oil Diffuser Oil
- A Decorative Sachet
- Potpourri “refresher” Oil
- A Car Diffuser
- Linen Spray
- All Purpose Cleaner
- Wool Dryer Balls with Fragrance Oil
- Hand Sanitizer
- And my personal favorite…Fragranced Tissue paper and gift-wrapping paper!
Yes, there are 16+ ways to spread the Fraiser Fir scent. So, let’s dive into some of the best diffusers and how they work.
Good, Ol’ Fashioned Reed Diffusers
A Reed Diffuser is a great way to add scent to your home without needing a flame. It uses reeds, thin sticks made of rattan or bamboo, placed in a container filled with scented oil. The reeds absorb the oil and release it into the air, providing a subtle but long-lasting scent.
How a Reed Diffuser Works
A reed diffuser is a type of air freshener that uses natural reeds (AKA “The Sticks”) to disperse essential oils into the air. The reeds are placed in a container filled with scented oil and absorb the oil, releasing it slowly into the air. This allows for a long-lasting scent without using any electricity or heat.
The scent can be adjusted by adding more or fewer reeds, or changing the type of oil used. Reed diffusers are easy to use and require minimal maintenance.
Reed Diffuser Benefits
The main benefit of using a Reed Diffuser is that it doesn’t require any heat or electricity, making it an ideal choice for those who want to avoid open flames or plugging in appliances. Additionally, they are typically less expensive than other types of diffusers such as electric diffusers or candles.
They also can last a good amount of time, compared to candles. On average, a 100ml glass bottle reed diffuser should last between three and four months. However, the lifespan of a reed diffuser can be affected by things like the quality of the oil, the number of reeds used, and how often you flip the reeds. Quality reed diffusers can last up to six months if properly cared for. To get the most out of your reed diffuser, make sure to use high-quality oil and replace or flip your reeds every few weeks.
Drawbacks of Reed Diffusers
However, there are some drawbacks to using Reed Diffusers.
For one, the scent may not be as strong as other types of diffusers and may require frequent flipping of the reeds to keep the scent going. Additionally, since they use essential oils, they can be more expensive than other fragrances.
Reed Diffusers provide an easy and affordable way to add subtle but long-lasting scents to your home without needing heat or electricity.
Essential Oil Diffusers
An essential oil diffuser is a device that disperses essential oils into the air, allowing you to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy. Diffusers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small plug-in models to larger tabletop models.
Essential oils have become a household name, touted as a natural remedy for everything from stress to skin problems. But what exactly are essential oils, and do they really work? Let’s take a look at what essential oils are, and explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of using them.
Wait a second… what does essential oil even mean?
Essential oils are concentrated liquids derived from plants. They contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which give essential oils their distinctive scents and therapeutic properties. The most common ways to use essential oils is through diffusion, inhalation, topical application, or ingestion.
Essential oils and regular fragrance oil are both used to provide a pleasant scent, but there are some key differences between the two. Essential oils are derived from plants, while regular fragrances are synthetic. Essential oils claim to have natural healing properties that can help with relaxation, stress relief, and other health benefits.
Many will say that essential oils are “better” for you than manufactured oils and scents. Sure, brash chemicals are never good for anyone, but not everything “natural” is better, too. You wouldn’t want all-natural poison ivy oil in your home, would you?
That’s why it’s important to always do research on the safety and efficacy of essential oils before using them.
When choosing between essential oils and regular fragrances, it seems like essential oils are just more natural.
However, if you’re looking for something affordable or want a pleasant scent without any additional benefits, then regular fragrance oil may be a better option.
So… are essential oils a scam?
Essential oils have been gaining popularity recently, but many believe anything called an “essential oil” is part of a marketing, multi-level marketing scam. Reports of companies making false claims about the health benefits of essential oils have been circulating, and some experts have found that essential oils can be dangerous if not used correctly. Additionally, some companies use shady marketing tactics to push their products, such as pyramid schemes and exaggerated claims about the effectiveness of their products.
However, despite these reports, essential oils are not necessarily a scam. Research has shown that essential oils can provide numerous health benefits when used correctly. Studies have found that certain essential oils can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and even boost immunity (but, obviously, marketers will stretch the truth to get a sale).
Before naming the best essential oil diffusers, we thought it important to discuss anything about an aromatherapy diffuser. I had no idea the difference between pure essential oils and fragrant mist from something else.
Different types of Essential Oil Diffusers
While there are many resemblances among diffusers, they mainly fall into two categories: Ultrasonic and nebulizers. Generally speaking, ultrasonic diffusers have become the more popular type because of their affordability and the fact that they release a softer aroma. This occurs as a result of its diaphragm vibrating to transform water-oil combination into cool mist droplets.
Nebulizers, on the other hand, diffuse stronger smelling oil by blowing compressed air through it which transforms it to cloud-like particles; however, this option tends to be less popular due largely in part to being pricier as well as making louder noise when active.
How Essential Oil Diffusers Work
An essential oil diffuser is a device that disperses essential oils into the air. It works by using ultrasonic vibrations to break down the essential oils into tiny particles, which are then released into the air.
Essential oil diffusers and humidifiers may appear similar at first glance, but they actually operate in different ways. Although some products might be billed as both a diffuser and a humidifier, it is important to note that they are not the same device.
Essential oil diffusers typically disperse up to 1000mL of water in a 24-hour period; however, this amount does not compare with what good quality humidifiers can provide. Humidifiers boast larger tanks and humidity sensors that can generate larger amounts of moisture over extended periods of time – all the while keeping your home comfortable and saturated with air humidity.
Essential Oil Diffuser Benefits
An essential oil diffuser is a great way to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. Diffusing essential oils into the air can help reduce stress, improve mood, and even promote better sleep. It can also help purify the air by removing allergens and other airborne contaminants.
Additionally, diffusing essential oils can provide a pleasant aroma to any room in your home or office. With all these benefits, it’s no wonder why an essential oil diffuser is becoming increasingly popular!
From essential oil diffusers to cool mist humidifiers to evaporative air scrubbers, there are numerous types of diffusers that make use of different methods to freshen up your living area.
Each type is designed to work best in certain climates, dispersed scent or vapors for different purposes, and function at varying lengths of time depending on the needs of your home. While some may be easier to clean than others, consider factors like cost, volume capacity, and power source when shopping so you can make an educated decision that fits in line with your lifestyle.
Essential Oil Diffusers: Downfalls
While essential oil diffusers provide many benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to be aware of.
- Essential oil diffusers can be noisy, especially if they have high-powered motors.
- Overuse of essential oils can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people.
- Diffused essential oils may not reach all areas of a room and may not adequately cover large spaces.
- Diffusers require regular cleaning and refillings as the water evaporates quickly.
Proprietary Diffusers + Smart Diffusers
Proprietary Diffusers are diffusers that require you to buy their own scents or capsules or liquids. While most essential oil diffusers will work with any essential oil (like this awesome Capri Blue Dupe), proprietary diffusers require their own scents or capsules to work properly.
Examples of proprietary smart diffusers include Aera Smart Diffuser(read our Aera Review and Aera Mini Review), Pura (read our Pura Review, best Pura Scents Guide, and our exclusive Pura Promo Code) and Aroma360 (read our Aroma360 Review).
All of these are pretty much “smart essential oil” diffusers.
How Proprietary Diffusers + Smart Diffusers Work
Proprietary Diffusers work in a variety of different ways. For example, Pura’s Diffuser works by heating up oils and dispersing via a reed-like diffusion.
Aera works by what they call “Microdroplet Technology.” This microdroplet technology is a revolutionary diffuser that creates a cleaner, safer, and more immersive scent experience. This process forces the release of ultra-tiny scent molecules into the air, which fill a space with scent. The patented Microdroplet Technology works without adding heat, allowing for long-lasting, high-quality aromas.
Benefits of Proprietary Diffusers + a Smart Diffuser
The main benefit of these proprietary diffusers (AKA a smart diffuser) is simple ease of use and knowing EXACTLY what the scents are supposed to smell like.
Many proprietary scents, like Fraiser Fir, work with companies like Pura to create a perfect dupe of their scent. This means you don’t have to worry about mixing essential oils yourself or guessing what the scent should be like. It also ensures that a consistent aroma is released each time you turn on your diffuser, as opposed to an unpredictable mix of aromas from essential oil blends.
Additionally, many proprietary diffusers are more powerful and efficient than traditional diffusers, meaning you get a stronger scent without needing to use as much oil or water.
Proprietary diffusers can also be easier to clean since they don’t require any special cleaning agents or procedures.
Some essential oil diffuser options in this category offer other features like a night light for a dark room and different light settings.
Proprietary Diffusers: Drawbacks
The main drawback of proprietary diffusers is that they are more expensive than traditional diffusers, since you have to buy the proprietary capsules or liquids.
Some proprietary diffusers also don’t have scents like Capri Blue, so you’re left wondering what “sandalwood” actually smells like. And for the record, I have no idea.
Some essential oil diffuser options do offer alternatives to the continuous mist of some cool mist diffuser options, which don’t require continuous mist coming from the smart diffuser.
For example, the Pura only is a heat oil diffuser. It doesn’t have mist settings or an intermittent mist – because it’s a waterless diffuser or cool mist humidifier. It’s just one of the best oil diffusers we’ve tested.
The number 1 overlooked issue with best diffusers: the scent
Let’s be 100% honest: the scents available for ANY oil diffuser are the most important thing. It doesn’t matter if you use an ultrasonic essential oil diffuser or a proprietary diffuser. The number 1 thing that matters is the scent. The #1 thing for the best essential oil diffuser (smart diffuser or aromatherapy diffuser) is the scents.
For some reason, the proprietary diffusers we’ve tested, except for Pura, have some very perfume-y scents. Like, smells like old lady perfume kind of perfume-y. I mean, they do have some good scents like lemon and peppermint, but the majority of them are just… not great.
So if you’re looking for amazing scent quality or if your nose is really sensitive, like mine, it makes sense to look for the scents you know and love (and also won’t give you a headache).
That is our number 1 piece of advice: base your diffuser on the scents that you want, not the actual diffuser. Every diffuser has pros and cons. We haven’t found the perfect diffuser… yet, but we will continue the search.
This plays into our top 3 picks, big time!
Check out our top 3 picks
Our #1 Pick is pretty easy, for the very reason we highlighted above: the scents!
#1 Pick: Pura Diffuser
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.
- Many scents that you already know and love
- Inexpensive device
- Holds two scents - not just one
- Programmable with your Smart Phone
- Nightlight
- Limited coverage (but can always buy 2)
- Diffuser is frequently out of stock
Since scent is the #1 factor in our decision, the Pura is head and shoulders above the rest. Why? Pura offers over 50 scents to choose from: from names you know, like Capri Blue and NEST to some brands, like their in-house brand, that you don’t know.
On top of that, if you sign up for a subscription (which everyone should do, since it saves you a ton of money), you get Pura’s scent guarantee. What does that mean? It means that if you don’t like one of their scents, they will replace it for you!
The Pura diffuser is proprietary, so you can’t just place whatever you want in the diffuser. You need the fragrances from Pura to scent your home.
The price isn’t even the biggest downfall. Since the fragrances are released in the air from heating them oils, the coverage area is the biggest downfall. If you are able to move the diffuser to a place where there is a lot of airflow, it can cover are large space.
But, if you can’t, then you might need to buy multiple diffusers to cover the space properly. You can always try our other picks as well, which we’ll be covering below!
Our #2 Pick: Area
- Incredible scent dispersion!
- Smart diffuser - control with your Smart Phone
- Tons of scents available
- Immediately smell the scent
- Easy to set up
- Some scents are too floral of our liking
- Makes a very slight noise when running
- Only 1 scent at a time
For those who want the best scent dispersion, but aren’t as picky for the scents (or don’t mind more floral scents in general), Aera is a great pick.
Aera now offers some brand scents, like The Laundress (read our Laundress Review and the best Aera Scents). However, most of Aera’s scents are their own. This makes it tough to know exactly what something will smell like.
For example, take their “Beach House” scent. Aera says, “Escape to the beach. Ocean breezes drift in through open windows. Soft florals mingle with the sea air. Bliss.”
Sure, that is trying to evoke a feeling, but what exactly does it smell like?
We found many of the Aera scents to be too perfume-like and gave us a headache. The Beach House is listed as “Floral and “Fresh,” but I wouldn’t say anything about the description sounded floral to me. You get the point.
However, Aera does have some nice scents, and the coverage area is second to only an HVAC Diffusers. If you can find a scent you like, it’s not a bad pick.
Also available is the Aera Mini (read our Aera Mini Review), for smaller spaces like a bathroom. We use one in our bathroom, and it’s PERFECT for killing odors.
Our #3 Pick: This Essential Oil Diffuser
A not-so-crazy design and good overall capacity make this a great, basic Essential Oil Diffuser.
The Urpower 2nd Gen 300ml Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser is a simple, white plastic cylinder that stands out in the crowd of odd shapes and faux (no-so-real-looking) woods. Despite being one of the least expensive diffusers available, it works better than models 4-5x the price (about $50).
It has a medium-sized tank with enough water for seven hours of strong mist, though you’ll need to add more oil during this time for optimal scent. Plus, it lights up in seven colors, has a timer function, and LED indicator lights that aren’t too bright. It’s also easy to clean with just a cloth wipe.
his diffuser has a number of features that make it an attractive option, including an ultrasonic air humidifier, auto shut off and 6-7 hours of continuous diffusing, 7 color changing LED lights and 4 timer settings.
Pros:
- Ultrasonic air humidifier helps keep your home’s air quality at optimal levels
- Auto shut-off feature ensures the device will not overheat or run out of water
- 6-7 hours of continuous diffusing allows you to enjoy your favorite essential oils for longer periods
- 7 color changing LED lights provide a soothing atmosphere – which may be a con to some
- 4 timer settings let you customize the duration of your aromatherapy sessions
Cons:
- Not suitable for large rooms as it only has a 300ml capacity
- Can be noisy when running at full power
- Not ideal for use with heavier oils as they may clog the device
The Scent Options
The biggest positive for an essential oil diffuser is the potential cost savings.
While you can find the Aera Device or Pura Device on sale, the fragrances can be expensive. 1-2 drops is all you need in an Essential Oil Diffuser, and you can get some high-quality dupes of your favorite fragrances. Our favorite scent dupe, is this Capri Blue Volcano dupe.
It’s one of our favorite scents overall, and you can get it for a fraction of the cost of the candles.
This is the best essential oil diffuser that can accept a few drops of your favorite essential oil, and the best diffuser for you! It doesn’t matter if it’s an ultrasonic diffuser or a smart essential oil diffuser; diffusing a few drops of essential oil can budgie up (do people still even say that?) any room.
Best Diffusers: The Final Verdict
Diffusers are the perfect way to add scent and style to any room. Whether you are looking for an aromatherapy experience or want to enhance your home’s overall vibe, there is a diffuser that will meet your needs. These products have never been so advanced or versatile, from traditional models with replaceable oil containers to sleek ultrasonic varieties or cute reed wet diffusers.
We hope our top 3 picks have helped narrow down what can be an overwhelming decision, but when selecting the right one for you remember to keep the scent in mind too! With all these considerations together, you’ll be sure to find the best possible fit for yourself and your space.
Which type of diffuser is best?
We just happen to like the proprietary diffusers like Aera and Pura the best – because we like the scents and smart features. If you’re looking to save money, however, you might want to consider an essential oil diffuser. They’re cheaper and still work great! Whichever type of diffuser you choose, we hope you enjoy the benefits of adding a little bit of aromatherapy into your life.
What are the best smelling diffuser oils?
It truly is up to the beholder – everyone has different scents that they like or dislike. Popular essential oils include lavender, lemon, sandalwood, cinnamon, peppermint, bergamot, vanilla, rose, jasmine, wild orange and eucalyptus.
Citrus essential oils such as orange and lemon are especially uplifting and energizing. For an instant, just-cleaned-kitchen smell, grapefruit and peppermint are excellent choices. Other popular essential oil combinations include lavender and lemon; bergamot and cypress; ginger and lemon; lavender and peppermint; chamomile and ylang ylang; leather & leaves. With all the variety of scents to choose from you’re sure to find your favorite!
What is an ultrasonic diffuser?
An ultrasonic diffuser is a device that utilizes vibrational frequencies to disperse essential oils into the air. It works by breaking down water molecules and essential oil into tiny micro-particles, which create a very fine and cool mist. This mist can create an aromatherapy environment in any room, providing therapeutic benefits such as relaxation and improved mood – in addition to just smelling nice.
Ultrasonic diffusers have become increasingly popular due to their affordability and subtle scent. They come in a variety of styles and designs, with some models offering multiple timer settings, ambient light settings, integrated humidifiers or built-in speakers for music playback.