The 9 Best Essential Oil Diffusers For Convenience, Adjustability, and Whole Home Scenting – Tried and Tested By Us
Instantly elevate your home with minimal effort, on any budget and for any room size
- 1-Minute Verdict
- At a Glance
- How to Choose
- Better Sleep
- Budget
- All-Rounder
- Small Rooms
- Large Rooms
- Portability
- Pet Odors
- Adjustable Intensity
- Bundle
- How We Test
- Oil Diffusers vs Reed Diffusers
- Finding Great Deals
- Safety
- Placement
- How Many Drops?
- Cleaning Your Diffuser
- Ultrasonic vs Nebulizer
- Asthma and Pets
- Troubleshooting
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1/3/26: As the Bamford Strato Diffuser is no longer available, I've swapped it out for the NEOM Wellbeing Pod Mini+, which is both affordable and portable. It's great for entryways without sockets, too. I've added a new one-minute verdict section for a quicker comparison, based on the most pertinent user need. I've also changed the running order of the page for a smoother shopping experience, and you can now shop our recommendations by clicking on the images for added convenience.
The very best essential oil diffusers all have convenience in common. Not only are they safer and more low-maintenance than candles – no need to trim the wick or rotate the reeds – considerably less messy than reed diffusers, and ideal for allergy sufferers and shared spaces where flames aren't allowed, but they're also completely customizable.
That's why, as the resident home fragrance expert here at Homes & Gardens, an electric diffuser is my favorite daily way to make my home smell nice, with just the simple touch of a button.
Here, I've curated a guide to my best essential oil diffuser picks, from luxury splurges to more affordable recommendations, so you can enjoy customizable home fragrancing, whatever your budget.
Presidents' Day Deals
Presidents' Day sales have already begun, with a $120 discount on one of my favorite essential oil diffusers. You can shop for any deals below, and I'll be updating this page as and when more land.
Save 60% on this battery-operated scent diffuser that can be placed anywhere around the home without the look of unsightly cords and wires. It's waterless and heatless, so suitable for use around pets and children, too.
The Best Essential Oil Diffusers – My One-Minute Verdict
If you want an essential oil diffuser that's chic, stylish, and perfect for larger spaces, you can't go wrong with the Neom Wellbeing Pod Luxe, available at Neom, which looks beautiful and is so easy to operate. It's also my favorite pick for sleeping better.
For something more affordable, the Asakuki Essential Oil Diffuser, available at Amazon, is our best all-rounder electric diffuser, with a large capacity, light, remote control, and timer settings. To give small rooms such as offices or entryways a scenting lift that isn't overwhelming, the chic Vitruvi Stone Diffuser, available at Amazon, is ideal.
I've used and loved the MUJI Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser Large, available at MUJI, for years, and love the sleek design that's right at home in my living room ideas, while the portable Wellbeing Pod Mini+, also available at Neom, Aroma360 Wireless Pro, and AromaTech AroMini are all waterless, wireless, and perfect for homes with pets or children, and spaces without sockets.
On a tiny budget? The URPOWER Essential Oil Diffuser, also available at Amazon, is under $15, and the InnoGear Aromatherapy Diffuser, available at Amazon, comes ready to use with a convenient set of 10 essential oils.
Best Essential Oil Diffusers – 9 Tested Options, At a Glance
Below, you'll find a bite-sized summary of each essential oil diffuser, outlining what we liked about it. To learn more about a particular electric diffuser, keep scrolling or hit 'read more below' to jump straight to that section.
With a guided meditation mode, four timers, a handy auto-off function for safety while you sleep, bespoke gravure ceramic cover, and a 12-hour capacity, this luxury-look electric diffuser fills even the largest of spaces with fragrance.
With a range of seven LED colors, this aromatherapy diffuser features programmable on/off cycles and an auto shut-off function for safety. It's both impressively affordable and effective.
This is the number one best-selling diffuser on Amazon, boasting a 4.4 average star rating from more than 65,000 verified reviews. It features a large capacity, convenient remote control, timers, and a light, so is suitable for use anywhere.
This sleek and stylish diffuser doesn't quite have the power for large rooms, but that makes it perfect for small spaces such as a home office. The porcelain shell and neutral colorways are stunning. The price tag is a little less appealing.
MUJI is my go-to for the majority of my tasteful homeware, and I've sworn by this ultrasonic aroma diffuser that's perfect for large spaces for years. It might not be the most exciting to look at, but I love the sleek, understated design.
This portable and versatile essential oil diffuser features customizable intensity levels. It's available in four stylish colors and finishes – the rose gold is my personal favorite. It's also a water-free option, meaning the essential oils plug straight in.
This mist tower removes pet odors from your space and replaces them with a subtle fragrance. It's easy to use and effective across a range of settings. Some essential oils, such as cinnamon, can be toxic to pets, so check before using.
Using cold-air diffusion, the AroMini diffuses fragrance without water, alcohol, heat, or any wires. It easily covers up to 1,000 sq. ft., but it comes with a higher price tag for all the customization, convenience, and wide coverage it offers.
If you aren't fussed about automatic timers and motion sensors, opt for the InnoGear electric diffuser. You'll get exactly what you pay for, useful timer run-times, and 10 essential oils thrown in for good measure.
How to Choose an Essential Oil Diffuser
Essential oil diffusers can be expensive, so you want to find the right one before you commit to your purchase. Here are a few of the most important things to keep in mind while shopping:
- Choose between ultrasonic vs nebulizer: There are two types of essential oil diffusers. An ultrasonic diffuser creates mist from a mixture of oils and water, while a nebulizer, such as the Neom Pod Mini+ uses compressed air to turn essential oils into mist. Nebulizers produce a more potent scent, which is ideal for bigger spaces, though they tend to diffuse fragrance in intermittent spritzes, rather than a constant stream. Compared with ultrasonic diffusers, nebulizers often cost more, and they can be noisy during spritzes. The ultrasonic scenter is subtler, suitable for smaller spaces, and you only need a few drops of essential oil to scent your home.
- Consider your space: Before you start shopping for an essential oil diffuser, stop and think about the space you're trying to scent. How big is it, and what do you primarily use it for? You might be tempted to opt for the largest water tank you can find, but be realistic, as any water sat in the tank runs the risk of harboring mold or mildew. Somewhere in the range of 300 ml to 500 ml is more than enough for a few days of fragrancing, even in larger spaces. If you're shopping for an electric diffuser for your bedroom, you should pay special attention to the lights. You can always turn off the LEDs to dim the glow, but you might not be able to avoid the flashing light of an 'off/on' switch, which could quickly become one of the things in your bedroom that could be ruining your sleep.
- Pay attention to materials and construction: It's almost impossible to find an essential oil diffuser that isn't made from or with plastic. Even if your outer shell is made from ceramic or porcelain, the inner water tank is likely lined with plastic. For ease of use and cleaning, I prefer electric diffusers with one simple, lift-off lid, but you might prefer the decorative finish of a double lid.
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Diffusion type | Coverage area | Runtime | Price | Best for... |
NEOM Wellbeing Pod Luxe | Ultrasonic | 600 sq. ft. | 12 hrs | $165 | Bedrooms |
URPOWER Aromatherapy Diffuser | Ultrasonic | 16 sq. ft. | Six hrs | $14.99 | Budget |
Asakuki Portable Diffuser | Ultrasonic | 300 sq. ft. | 10-18 hrs | $24.99 | All-rounder |
Vitruvi Stone Diffuser | Ultrasonic | 500 sq. ft. | Up to eight hrs | $129.99 | Home offices |
MUJI Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser Large | Ultrasonic | 200 - 250 sq. ft. | Three hrs | $129 | Living rooms |
Neom Wellbeing Pod Mini+ | Nebulizer | Small spaces | Up to 125 hrs per charge | $79 | Portability |
Aroma 360 Wireless Pro | Nebulizer | 600 sq. ft. | 12 hrs | $79.95 | Homes with pets or children |
AromaTech AroMini | Nebulizer | 100 to 1500 sq.ft. | One to three months depending on usage | $295 | Adjustability |
InnoGear Aromatherapy Diffuser | Ultrasonic | 645 sq. ft. | 12 hrs | $37.99 | Bundle |
The Best Essential Oil Diffuser for Better Sleep
The NEOM Wellbeing Pod Luxe is my favorite bedroom addition for better sleep. Click the picture to shop.
NEOM Wellbeing Pod Luxe
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Out of all the brands on this list, NEOM offers the best special features, and the NEOM Wellbeing Pod Luxe is my favorite of the bunch.
For starters, it truly looks the part – understated, luxurious, chic, and bespoke, with a handcrafted ceramic cover that's worlds away from the typical plastic look I've come to expect from essential oil diffusers.
It's not only its appearance that goes above and beyond, though. It also features a guided breathing mode – breathe in with the brightening light, and out as it softly dims for a guided moment of calm that's guaranteed to make a bedroom smell good for sleep and help you sleep better. Alternatively, you could use it for your morning yoga, or alongside daily meditation.
Like most essential oil diffusers, there's an automatic shut-off mode to conserve oil (important as this model needs 30 drops per refill) and water, though the 12-hour capacity should save you from regular refills. On average, I only find myself refilling mine once or twice a week, and I use it most days, particularly when I'm working from home.
It's even remote-controlled, for easy access anywhere in the room, ideal if you're already tucked up in bed or comfortable on the couch, particularly in fall and winter.
As a larger, water-based electric diffuser, I found that this worked best in my bedroom, but I can see it making a worthy addition to any entryway space, too.
Unfortunately, my bathroom doesn't have suitable plugs, so I haven't tried it there, and I tend to keep strong scents out of my kitchen space to avoid interference with my cooking. But for sleep, a few drops of the NEOM Scent to Destress is all you need for a beautifully scented sleep haven. I also really recommend investing in NEOM Essential Oil Blend Scent Discovery Set if you want to experiment with scent or like a little variety.
It is just worth noting that whilst the textured ceramic looks beautiful, it's a little trickier to clean. Also, the water reservoir needs to be regularly refreshed to inhibit the growth of bacteria in stagnant water – it's best to give it a quick wipe every time it empties.
Attribute | Notes | Score (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|
Scent strength | Delicate, consistent and customizable | 5 |
Capacity | 350 ml | 5 |
Value for money | Expensive, but worth it | 3 |
The Best Budget Essential Oil Diffuser
The URPOWER Essential Oil Diffuser, available at Amazon, is the cheapest of the bunch. Click the picture to shop.
URPOWER Essential Oil Diffuser
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
I've tried several essential oil diffusers from URPOWER, and I have to say, they make brilliant basics. Featuring seven light options to complement any color palette, this pint-sized URPOWER Essential Oil Diffuser, available at Amazon, is ideally suited for scenting smaller spaces.
For that reason, I'd recommend it for bedrooms and offices rather than lounges and bathrooms. One thing to note is that this is a plug-in diffuser, so you'll need to position it accordingly and work to hide the wires.
I tested the two misting modes – there's an intermittent setting which dispenses every thirty seconds, or a continuous mode which works for up to four hours (or until the water runs out). Neither of these settings is subtle. This essential oil diffuser packs a punch for such a small machine, and I found the scent works quickly and intensely.
In fact, I started with ten drops of essential oil in the 100 ml reservoir, but I'd recommend cutting back to just one or two drops. You actually don't need any more – it will waste your essential oils and over-fragrance your room.
Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Scent strength | Very powerful, so use wisely | 4 |
Capacity | Suitable for smaller spaces | 2 |
Value for money | Ideal for buyers on a budget | 5 |
The Best All-Round Essential Oil Diffuser
The ASAKUKI Essential Oil Diffuser, available at Amazon, is a budget-friendly bestseller. Click the picture to shop.
Asakuki Portable Essential Oil Diffuser
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
As essential oil diffusers go, the ASAKUKI Essential Oil Diffuser, available at Amazon, is very easy to use. It's remote-controlled, so you don't need to worry about wires, with a large 500ml capacity tank and seven LED colors to choose from, all with a budget-friendly price tag. Simply add a few drops of essential oil and choose which LED option best complements your color palette. That way, your diffuser becomes part of your decor.
Most water-based diffusers make a little noise, but I found the ASAKUKI Diffuser was completely silent, boasting a noise level of under 23 decibels, though it did guzzle up water at a faster rate. I kept mine on the low setting and still needed to refill it almost every day. With that said, it was easy to adjust the strength setting and run time using the remote control, with 60, 120, and 180-minute timers, and a steady-on mode. You can also set intermittent mist via the remote control.
Water-based diffusers are great for humidifying rooms; if you're wondering, 'Why does my house feel dry?', but the reservoirs are high-maintenance.
In my experience, the ASAKUKI Diffuser collects condensation, which can drop and create a mess when filling and refilling, so that's something to consider. If you're looking for an affordable all-rounder, though, this is the one for you.
Attribute | Notes | Score (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|
Scent strength | A little light | 4 |
Capacity | High, but water drains quickly | 3 |
Value for money | Excellent | 5 |
The Best Essential Oil Diffuser for Small Rooms Such as Entryways and Home Offices
The Vitruvi Stone Diffuser, available at Amazon, looks so luxurious. Click the picture to shop.
Vitruvi Stone Essential Oil Diffuser
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The images online only go a short way towards showing off just how stunning the matte ceramic finish of the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser is. You can opt for the black, white, or suede colorway – the latter is my personal favorite, but all look equally luxurious. Even the packaging is beautiful, so it's a good option for gifting.
As an ultrasonic diffuser, the Vitruvi Stone uses a reservoir of water to scent your space. The smaller reservoir sits in a sealed part of the diffuser, which helps to prevent any leaks or spillage when moving the diffuser around, handy for avoiding any home fragrance mistakes.
For this one, Vitruvi recommends adding 20 drops of essential oil to the reservoir, but do so with caution – I buy high-quality essential oils and only needed to use about 11 drops. If you opt for a lighter, citrus fragrance, you might need more, so it's something to experiment with.
There are plenty of other well-considered features, including a four and eight-hour timer, plus an optional soft glow LED light for added ambience.
The timer settings are reliable, but subtle. To control these settings, you'll need to reach around to the buttons at the back of the diffuser, which are close to the power cord and a little tricky to reach. Most other expensive electric diffusers have remote controls, so if this is a dealbreaker, I'd recommend the NEOM Wellbeing Pod Luxe instead.
Attribute | Notes | Score (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|
Scent strength | A little light in places | 4 |
Capacity | Needs regular refills | 4 |
Value for money | Premium look and feel at a premium price | 3 |
The Best Essential Oil Diffuser for Large Rooms and Living Spaces
This MUJI Diffuser pick is a stalwart in my home. Click the picture to shop.
MUJI Large Electric Aroma Diffuser
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
This MUJI Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser was my first foray into the world of essential oil diffusers, so I suppose it could be credited with kickstarting my lifelong obsession with home scenting.
My favorite thing about this one in particular is its sleek, understated look, perfectly aligned with what I've come to expect from this well-known Japanese brand.
I actually really love the sound of water-based diffusers releasing scent, and this one is perfectly pitched: Not too loud, of course, but offering enough for a little white noise or gently relaxing background noise.
Over the years, I've found myself experimenting with a whole host of essential oils with this model, cultivating an invigorating atmosphere in my home.
The mist runs for only three hours with an automatic shut off, which might seem short, but it means I never have to worry about leaving it running for hours on end. Four different timer settings are also included, from 30 all the way up to 180 minutes. Despite its larger size and capacity, you actually only need three to six drops of essential oil for a room-filling effect.
Importantly, if you're a light sleeper, that calming noise that I quite like may prove to be an annoyance. Aside from that, the running of this essential oil diffuser is foolproof, and a great mid-range choice for scenting your home year-round.
Attribute | Notes | Score (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|
Scent strength | Good for large rooms | 4 |
Capacity | 350 ml | 4 |
Value for money | Reasonably priced for the size and light | 4 |
The Best Essential Oil Diffuser for Portability
Small yet mighty, the Neom Wellbeing Pod Mini+ can even be used in the car. Click the picture to shop.
Neom Wellbeing Pod Mini+
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
This NEOM Wellbeing Pod Mini+ is so portable you can even use it in your car (yes, really), and Chiana Dickson, our Kitchen and Appliance editor, swears by hers for getting rid of musty odors in her entryway.
'I was drawn to it as it is fully portable, so I didn’t need to worry about wires,' she writes in her review of this NEOM portable essential oil diffuser. 'All I would have to do is remember to charge it periodically – it has a promised 50-hour lifespan.'
Like the Aroma360 pick below, this essential oil diffuser is also waterless, meaning you don't have to worry about spillages or flourishing mold and mildew. This also makes it all the more portable – all you have to do is screw in any 10 ml essential oil blend. It will also handily auto shut-off when tilted, while customizable intensity levels allow you to tailor the scent experience to your liking.
'Putting it together was simple,' adds Chiana, describing how all she had to do was screw the essential oil bottle into place and push it into the device. 'Just be careful not to turn it upside down with the oil bottle in it. It warns against doing it in the manual, but I missed that, and mine leaked.'
If you're using this in your bedroom, it also features an optional warm light for a calming atmosphere, and the wireless design means you can pop it on your bedside table for reading and winding down in bed.
In terms of the scent strength, Chiana assures that, despite the small size, this electric diffuser packs a serious punch.
'The fragrance was very strong,' she says. 'I could smell the fragrance on the other side of my open plan living space (approximately 17 feet away) after just a few minutes on the lowest setting.
'This powerful little portable essential oil diffuser not only looks great and takes up minimal space – it's fabulous at its job.'
Attribute | Notes | Score (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|
Scent strength | Proven to clear musty odors | 5 |
Capacity | 10 ml essential oil provides 50 hours of scenting on the lowest setting (waterless) | 4 |
Value for money | Accessible way to test Neom | 4 |
The Best Essential Oil Diffuser for Pets
This Aroma360 Wireless Pro Diffuser makes pet odors a thing of the past. Click the picture to shop.
Aroma360 Wireless Pro Scent Diffuser
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
We have four family dogs at home who, much as I love them, can not smell their best sometimes, particularly after a long and muddy walk – anyone who lives with pets will know what I mean. I put the Aroma360 Wireless Pro Diffuser in the room where they usually like to spend time, and one day later, their scents had completely dissipated.
I never use an essential oil diffuser in the room while they're in it, as it can cause respiratory discomfort in our furry friends, but the sandalwood blend made the room smell amazing once they'd vacated. As it doesn't require liquids or wires, I didn't have to worry about the dogs knocking it over or making a mess once they came back in the room, and it was safely switched off, either.
I first tested the 'low' setting, which didn't do much. You'll need to have this running on medium or high, which, within a few bursts, will be too much for your room. In some ways, this is brilliant. You don't need to use much essential oil to have a strongly scented room. In other ways, this is frustrating. My rooms were headily fragrant if I left this running for even an hour.
The Aroma360 Wireless Pro is a smart piece of technology that would look particularly at home in modern interiors. I tested one in black, which is more suitable for those more understated homes, and enjoyed placing it in different rooms. It's quiet, remote-controlled, and safe to have around children and dogs. Very quickly, I forgot it was there, as long as I didn't leave it running for too long.
I am also a big fan of the pet-safe MALIN+GOETZ Sage Room Spray. This lovely pet odor eliminator has been proven in studies to reduce odors by 98% within minutes.
Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Scent strength | Very strong, so use cautiously | 4 |
Capacity | Large, so minimal refills | 5 |
Value for money | Premium modern look and feel at a premium price | 4 |
The Best Essential Oil Diffuser for Adjustability
Small yet mighty, the AromaTech AroMini is conveniently adjustable. Click the picture to shop.
AromaTech AroMini
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The AromaTech AroMini comes in black, silver, or gold finishes. Whether you style your mantelpiece with it, or place it on your bookshelf, or in the corner of a room, it adds a touch of class to your interiors. I like it a lot.
The Bluetooth remote and connectivity meant I could control the AroMini from any position in the room, which is a huge selling point, and ended up being very useful. That being said, I was mainly using this function because the AroMini was constantly getting knocked over when it was on the floor – being so small, it's quite vulnerable and unstable, so I suggest putting it high up on display to avoid any accidents. As well as controlling the scent intensity, you can also create customized schedules on the app.
Even though the AroMini is small, it certainly didn't struggle to scent my house. I started on the 'low' setting, which didn't make much of a difference, so I switched to medium and could instantly smell the essential oils. It's quite the jump between stages, which is definitely something to note – the medium setting is more like strong, and the strong setting is even more intense, which might be too much for most people.
Even on 'medium,' the AroMini will burn through a 10 milliliter essential oil bottle in 24 hours. Luckily, there's a 120 milliliter slot, which saves you from doing a daily refill. In fact, at AroMini, they state that one refill can last one to three months, depending on usage.
Unfortunately, I used mine far too often to put that sort of longevity to the test. As a nebulizer, the AroMini uses cold-air diffusion technology, rather than water or heat.
In theory, this means this electric diffuser can sit up against walls and furniture without doing any damage. I kept mine at a precautionary distance but didn't notice any discoloration on the walls.
It's worth noting, though, that the AroMini is only compatible with AromaTech Essential Oils, which can be a bit of a nuisance if you have other favorite oils.
Attribute | Notes | Score (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|
Scent strength | Lowest setting ineffectual, but medium very effective | 4 |
Capacity | Burns through oil quite quickly | 4 |
Value for money | Premium look and feel at a premium price | 3 |
The Best Essential Oil Diffuser Bundle
This InnoGear Aromatherapy Diffuser, available at Amazon, sets you up for success. Click the picture to shop.
InnoGear Aromatherapy Diffuser
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Out of all the essential oil diffusers I've tested, this InnoGear Aromatherapy Diffuser, available at Amazon, is the best bundle for beginners, as you get a set of 10 essential oils thrown in with every order, so you can start scenting immediately.
I have a healthy skepticism of freebies, but these oils are powerful. I was scenting in a room with eight-foot high ceilings, and this surprisingly effective diffuser managed to fragrance the entire space with no issues.
On this one, there are four different timer settings: Continuous, one hour, three hours, and six hours. In my opinion, the continuous mode is a recipe for sensory overload. I recommend using 10 drops of oil and running the electric diffuser for just one hour, which should give your room plenty of scent without becoming cloying.
Additionally, I love the wood finish, which makes this diffuser look far more premium than it actually is, which is great if you're buying on a budget. Just remember this is a plug-in diffuser, so you'll need to find a spot where you can conceal the wire if you want a really polished look.
Attribute | Notes | Score (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|
Scent strength | Very powerful; stick to lower settings | 4 |
Capacity | 400 ml means fewer refills | 4 |
Value for money | Great bundle deal | 5 |
How We Test Essential Oil Diffusers
Over the course of my career, I've personally tested dozens of essential oil diffusers and browsed hundreds online. To find the world's best essential oil diffuser, I positioned different models in various areas of my home: On the kitchen counter, on my nightstand, on a bookshelf, and so on. To learn more about our reviews at Homes & Gardens, consult our expert guide.
In the interests of comparison, I assess each essential oil diffuser against the same criteria: Power, capacity, runtime, aesthetic appeal, and ease of use. To assess power, I observe the height and color of the mist streaming out of the tank – the stronger the mist, the more powerful the diffuser. I make a note of the tank size, which usually falls in the range of 100 ml to 500 ml.
As a general rule, bigger tanks produce thicker mist for a longer time, and are therefore more suitable for larger spaces. That being said, larger tanks can be a little trickier to maintain and often require more thorough cleaning.
I want to know the maximum runtime of each electric diffuser, including how much oil, on average, they use each refill, as well as the ins and outs of the timer settings, such as whether there's a sleep mode, for example, or automatic turn-off after an hour or two. I also consider smart features where applicable, and whether the particular model is suitable for homes with pets or children.
I'm also interested in the aesthetic appeal of the diffuser. Most are made from plastic, at least on the inside, but some feature ceramic, porcelain, or wood lids.
Some essential oil diffusers also light up, so I want to cycle through their color options, noting how easy it is to select and save a color. All the time, I'm listening out for any annoying sounds and watching for the brightness of the indicator lights.
Essential Oil Diffusers vs Reed Diffusers
If you're reading this guide, it's likely because you're less interested in the best reed diffusers. There are pros and cons to both ways to make a home smell nice without candles, but the main advantages of essential oil diffusers are:
- They're more potent
- They tend to be easier to control
- They're easy to customize
- They're more cost effective in the long run
FAQs
How to Find Great Deals on the Best Essential Oil Diffusers
Most of the time, the lowest prices on the best oil diffusers come during Black Friday, the last Friday in November, and Cyber Monday, which is the first Monday of December. These have now become annual events with steep discounts across thousands of items, with other retailers dropping flash deals and sales to provide shoppers with an abundance of great value sales.
From my experience, these electric diffuser deals tend to last throughout the entire two-week period – check all your favorite retailers for a sale section and codes to shop at a discount. You might also find codes in your inbox, so make sure to check your emails, too.
Prepping your favorites ahead of time will set you ahead of the pack, so to speak, once the deals go live. Popular oil diffusers can sell out quickly, so add your favorites to your basket, or create a digital wish list on Amazon, for example, so you can keep an eye on all your faves for discounts, then check out quickly while stocks last.
You can also copy and paste the Amazon link into the search bar at camel camel camel, a price history tracker, so you can see how the item's price has gone up and down.
Are Essential Oil Diffusers Safe?
According to the American Lung Association, 'Essential oils are highly concentrated, so inhaling them directly can irritate the respiratory tract. This may lead to symptoms such as coughing, nose and throat irritation, or shortness of breath.'
'Individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be particularly susceptible to these symptoms. Additionally, essential oils may cause allergic reactions when the oils are used on the skin or inhaled. It is important to be aware of any allergies or sensitivities to specific oils before usage.'
To safely use an essential oil diffuser, make sure your space is well ventilated, with open doors and windows to help the scent disperse. If you worry that your essential oil diffuser is having an adverse effect on your health, stop using it and consult a medical professional.
Where Should I Put an Essential Oil Diffuser?
You want an area with good air circulation to push the scent as far as possible. I keep my essential oil diffuser on a bookshelf, but you might find space for yours near a doorway, on a coffee table, or in your bedroom.
The more elevated a spot you can find, the better – you'll smell the scent more at 'nose-level' than you would at ground-level.
How Many Drops Should I Put In My Essential Oil Diffuser?
It depends how much water is inside your diffuser tank and whether you're using a single essential oil or a combination. It will take a little trial and error to find the perfect ratio of oil to water.
As a general rule, anywhere between five to 10 drops should fragrance a smaller room, but you might need more drops to scent a larger space, such as an entryway. If you're using multiple oils, I recommend two to three drops per oil to create a harmonious blend, without either scent overpowering the other.
How Should I Clean My Essential Oil Diffuser?
You should clean your diffuser once every few days, if you use it regularly, or every few uses if you don't. How you should clean your essential oil diffuser depends whether you're working with an ultrasonic model or a nebulizer.
Ultrasonic diffusers are easy to clean. All you need is some warm water and some fragrance-free dish soap, which will cleanse the tank of excess oils and stagnant water, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Before you switch oils, I suggest you wipe the water tank with a damp cloth to prevent cross-contamination.
Because nebulizers create a more concentrated aroma of pure essential oil, they can prove a little harder to clean. You can use rubbing alcohol to clean your nebulizer between uses or soak the glass reservoir in warm, soapy water to release any excess oils.
Is Ultrasonic Better Than Nebulizing for Longevity vs Potency?
Neither ultrasonic nor nebulizing essential oil diffusers are better than the other, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. For example, ultrasonic diffusers use less oil, but produce a more diluted mist, and tend to be more budget-friendly. On the other hand, investing in a nebulizing diffuser will produce a more concentrated mist, and won't require any water which risks spilling around pets or children. But, they do tend to be more expensive.
Can Diffusers Aggravate Asthma Or be Used Around Pets?
Yes, diffusers can aggravate asthma in humans and respiratory issues in animals, so I never use mine around my dogs, only once they've left the room. Make sure you only ever use them in a well-ventilated area, too, and if you feel any adverse effects, always turn off the diffuser immediately and open a window.
How to Troubleshoot Common Issues Like Clogs or Inconsistent Mist
Issues like clogs or inconsistent mist can be a pain, but luckily they're usually easy enough to sort out yourself. Your first cause of action should always be checking the water level, as, if your electric diffuser doesn't have enough water in the tank, it can cause spluttering and prevent a consistent mist. I also recommend switching to filtered water, as hard water can cause build-up, and ensuring your diffuser is only used on a flat surface.
For clogs, usually a deep clean is all that's needed. I take my diffuser apart (after unplugging) and gently use a cotton bud dipped in white vinegar.
Another lovely way to make your home smell beautiful without flames is by mixing up your very own homemade room spray, which also allows for complete customization on scent, strength, and placement.

Ottilie joined Homes & Gardens in 2024 as the News Writer on Solved, after finishing a Master's in Magazine Journalism at City, University of London. Now, as the Sleep Editor, she spends her days hunting deals and producing content on all things sleep – from mattresses and sheets to protectors and pillows, all of which she tests in her own home. She also has particular expertise in home fragrance, covering everything from candles to reed diffusers.
Previously, she has written for Livingetc and Motorsport Magazine, and also has a Master's degree in English Literature and History of Art from the University of Edinburgh, where she developed a love for inspiring interiors and architecture.
- Emilia HitchingSleep Editor
- Katrina Harper-LewisHead of Living
- Laura HoneyeCommerce Editor
