The best reed diffusers we love for every room in the home, tested by our Master Perfumer and homes experts

When it comes to creating a welcoming, warming atmosphere, the best reed diffusers can truly transform a space. After all, a beautiful home isn't finished if it doesn't smell good, too.

I worked in luxury fragrances for years, where I qualified as a Master Perfumer. Part of our training was home fragrance, so, naturally, it's the first thing I notice about a home. Whether you choose candles, mists or reed diffusers, there are lots of luxurious products on the market.

As reed diffusers are safer than candles, cordless and heat-free, I searched for the perfect balance of distinctive and delicate reed diffusers to recommend for every room. I tested each one for months in my own home, so that I could experience each scent, its strength, and lasting time for myself. I also wanted to make sure that they were stylish, and excellent value too.

After testing a range of diffusers on the market, these are our top nine picks of the best home fragrances money can buy, as rated by the Homes & Gardens team.

The Best Reed Diffusers

How to choose a good reed diffuser

First things first, choose your scent wisely. Selecting a reed diffuser does more than make your room smell nice, it means finding a scent that complements your space and the mood you are trying to create. For example, we recommend matching a reed diffuser to the season – rich scents like wood and spices are great for winter and fall, whereas fresher scents like mint, apple, and citrus will cool a space. Use these fragrances in the spring and summer.

You should also consider where you're placing your reed diffuser, particularly considering the size of your space and therefore the suitable size of a diffuser. The majority of people like to place a reed diffuser in a living room, where they spend lots of their time, or an entryway to flood all of their rooms with a subtle fragrance. Otherwise, a reed diffuser works well in a bathroom for a constant aroma, and to balance common odors. However, where a heavy, oud-forward scent works well to make a living room cozy, you'll want a lighter, fresher scent for a bathroom.

Unlike the best candles, the majority of reed diffusers can simply be refilled once the fragrance has finished, to help save the environment and to save you a little money, so this might also be something you want to consider. That way, if you like the reed diffuser you've picked, it can be refilled for a more affordable price, instead of having to buy the entire vessel time after time.

Other factors to consider are the ingredients of a diffuser, particularly if you're sensitive to certain fragrances, and the lifespan – as you don't want to spend on a diffuser that only lasts a couple of weeks.

Honorable mentions

How we tested the best reed diffusers

As always, our reed diffusers have been tested by experts. I'm a Master Perfumer, and have worked for luxury perfume brands for years, so know what premium fragrances should be like.

When choosing reed diffusers, here at Homes & Gardens, we consider factors such as the unboxing experience, product quality, the longevity of the scents, room coverage, and if a refill is available. We regularly place them in different-sized rooms, from bathrooms to bedrooms, and open living spaces to see how the scent fills and smells in different locations.

Of course, we acknowledge that scent is majorly subjective, but it helps to know the type of scents you personally prefer, for example, whether you like sweet and fruity scents, or more musky and spicy options.

As there are countless home fragrances available, we also invite you to explore the other scents from the brands we've included, as we endorse them based on our experience with their products.

For more insight into our hands-on review process, refer to our how we test review guidelines.

How we test reed diffuser strength

During testing in our homes, we take into consideration the strength of the smell of the reed diffuser when first opened, how long the scent lasts, whether it fills the room or gets lost in the volume of it, and if there are any symptoms such as headaches when in the room with the diffuser.

3/5 indicates gentle fragrance that doesn't last more than a few days.

4/5 indicates great fragrance noticeable across a room for a week or more.

5/5 indicates strong fragrances in large spaces.

We haven't included any items in this guide that would be a 1 or 2/5 but if we had, 1/5 would have indicated little to no strength of aroma that fades quickly after the reeds were turned and was not noticeable in the room, and 2/5 would be subtle scent for a short while after opening and barely noticeable throughout a room.

FAQs

How often does a reed diffuser need to be changed?

On average, a person will need to replace reed diffusers sticks every six months. Specific circumstances might call for substituting them sooner, or they might exceed six months. But in most cases, that is the duration you should be thinking and a good rule of thumb to follow.

Should I flip reeds in a reed diffuser?

You don't have to turn diffuser sticks around, but if you want a more intense fragrance, you can turn them every week. Just remember, turning the sticks more frequently will use up the oil faster, and you don't need to do if if your room is small.

How many reeds should I put in my diffuser?

How many reeds you should put in your diffuser will depend on the size of your room and how strong you want the scent to be. Using more reeds will produce a stronger scent, but you will use your fragrance oils much quicker than necessary. I would recommend six to eight, especially if your room doesn't have high ceilings.

Where should I put my diffuser?

The best place to have your diffuser is in the center of the room, so that you have an even spread of fragrance. However, this isn't always easy. Make sure to have it a few feet off the ground, near airflow, and on a stable surface. I wouldn't recommend having it on a bedside table or dining table, since this is very close to where you will breathe and eat, and the fragrance oils might become overpowering or sickly in a position like this. Instead, place it on a shelf or countertop, away from where it may risk being knocked over.

How can I make my diffuser last longer?

There are lots of ways that you can keep your essential oils going for longer. For example, don't use as many reeds to start with and don't flip them as much. When you are satisfied with the scent in your room, remove the reeds and place a stopper on your oil. That way, you won't be using unnecessary oil.

Meet our experts

Laura Honey

Laura is both an appliance aficionado and trained barista, who spent years studying as a master perfumer, beginning her career working for the British luxury fragrance brand Penhaligon's.

With a multitude of experience behind her, she has tested almost every brand of home fragrance products, from luxe Loewe to wallet-friendly options.

Annie Collyer

With over four years of eCommerce experience behind her, Annie is an expert when it comes to choosing products that are worth your money. She's a home fragrance enthusiast, and loves perfectly curating shopping content to reflect her in-depth knowledge of scent-scaping.

Jaclyn Turner

Jaclyn loves scouting buying guides to find the best deals to bring to H&G readers. Whether it's advising on mattresses or bedding, she loves finding high-quality gems, and has previously worked with brands such as Apartment Therapy and The Spruce.

Punteha van Terheyden

With 16 years of experience writing about all things home, Punteha has worked across a wide range of interior journalism outlets, including BBC Good Food, Closer, Woman's Own and Real Homes, where she was the editor, before joining Homes and Gardens. She also worked in a perfume store for five years, learning from master perfumers.

Jo Bailey

Jo has been the print editor at H&G since 2023, having previously worked as the news & shopping editor across both H&G and Livingetc brands. Before, she worked as an interiors stylish for over ten years, for a wealth of luxury clients such, as the Design Center Chelsea Harbour.

Sophie Edwards

Sophie is an avid pop culture fan, and, in her role on the celebrity style team at H&G, has interviewed the likes of Martha Stewart, Hilary Duff, and even members of the Queer Eye cast. With expertise in American and British design, she's a powerhouse when it comes to keeping up with all the latest interior and cultural trends.

Do you know why your home needs a signature scent? From creating a lasting impression with guests, to creating a familiar ambiance that makes you instantly relaxed, choosing the right home fragrance can make your house feel (and smell) like a home.