The 9 Best Reed Diffusers for Easy Spring and Summer Scenting Across Your Home – Tested By Us
Whether you prefer something fruity, fresh, or floral, there's a pick for every budget in our curated guide
- 1-Minute Verdict
- At a Glance
- How to Choose
- Best All-Rounder
- Most Energizing
- Most Affordable
- For Relaxation
- Homes with Pets
- Most Long-Lasting
- For Bathrooms
- Best Luxury
- For Small Spaces
- Diffuser Use Tips
- How We Test
- Finding Great Deals
- How Many Reeds
- Pet Safety
- Refill vs Replace
- Natural Boosts
- Meet the Testers
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17/2/26: For spring and summer scenting, I've swapped Diptyque's Ambre diffuser for the more seasonal Diptyque Roses pick, Adlan's Crowd Pleaser with Neom's Squeeze the Day, and Ortigia's Zagara for the P.F. Candle Co. diffuser in Golden Coast, available at Amazon. You can now shop each pick by clicking on the relevant images, and I've added a helpful section on how and when to shop the best deals throughout the year. I've also added a 'Meet the Testers' section, so you can get to know who each recommendation comes from, if it's not one I've personally tested myself.
Of all the options, the very best reed diffusers are my favorite way for easy, consistent home scenting in spring and summer. They transform the ambience of your home with fresh, fruity, or floral scents, and offer a flameless, low-maintenance way to scent your space – ideal for households with kids, pets, allergy concerns, or those who just want to add a layer of luxury to their everyday.
In my lifetime, and as the resident home fragrance expert at Homes & Gardens, I've been lucky enough to try and test dozens of reed diffusers – and these are my top nine.
These picks are not only stylish, but they're well worth the spend, too. And, if you're not in the market to switch up your best home fragrance, they all make gorgeous gifts that I'd be delighted to receive.
The Homes & Gardens Guide to the Best Reed Diffusers
My One-Minute Verdict
After testing these nine reed diffusers in my home, my top pick has to go to the cult classic Diptyque's Roses diffuser, for quality, longevity, and luxurious scenting that smells like a bouquet of fresh roses, bursting with scent.
If you prefer something a little more moody, smoky, and leathery year-round, try the luxurious Trudon Ernesto diffuser that's guaranteed to last, and for something fresher, the Airy Fragrances Forest Breath diffuser or ripple+ Château Gardenia are brilliant options, as is the liquidless ScentAir Golden Bamboo diffuser, which is also perfect if you live with pets or children.
Alternatively, for something a little more citrussy, the Neom Squeeze the Day diffuser is uplifting and vibrant, while the non-toxic P.F. Candle Co. Golden Coast Classic Scented Rattan Reed Diffuser, available at Amazon, evokes salt and wild sage baking in the sun.
For large open spaces, like entryways and living rooms, the Pomegranate Noir diffuser available at Jo Malone is a well-loved, punchy classic, and if you prefer something sweeter, you can't go wrong with California Summers, available at Voluspa, which is basically a summer holiday in a bottle.
The Best Reed Diffusers – 9 Tested Options, At a Glance
Below, you'll find a bite-sized summary of each reed diffuser, outlining what I liked about it. To learn more about a particular diffuser, keep scrolling or hit 'read more below' to jump to that section.
This is what I would call 'love at first smell,' with delicate notes of a blooming rose bush. The glass vessel (sold separately) is stunning, and I've never used a diffuser that smells so strong without being too much, and it lasts for ages.
Strength: 5/5. Read my full verdict.
Zingy, bright, and uplifting, this diffuser is blended with essential oils and features notes of grapefruit, mandarin, and eucalyptus to brighten any space.
Strength: 5/5. Read my full verdict.
This diffuser is certainly subtle, but for some spaces and preferences, that's no bad thing. I love the tasteful design, small size, and affordable price point.
Strength: 3/5. Read my full verdict.
This sleek and understated glass vessel matches the fragrance it exudes perfectly – refined, fresh and unique. Each and every one is authentically made in Japan.
Strength: 4/5. Read my full verdict.
This starter pack includes 25 fragranced reeds and a decorative vase, with everything you need for flameless home scenting under $40.
Strength: Customizable. Read my full verdict.
With notes of juicy pomegranate and smoky guaiacwood, this elegant vessel looks at home in a stylish space. For maximum strength scenting, use all ten reeds at once, which is what I've done in my own home.
Strength: 5/5. Read my full verdict.
This laid-back, California-inspired scent is inspired by lounging on a teakwood sling chair by the sea, with warm vanilla and coconut milk rolling on the breeze.
Strength: 3/5. Read my full verdict.
These Trudon diffusers certainly come with a hefty price tag, but last around four months (and look stunning on your surfaces, too).
Strength: 5/5. Read my full verdict.
This small yet mighty diffuser is clean, refreshing and unique, proving that you don't need a big budget to deliver on delicious scenting.
Strength: 3/5. Read my full verdict.
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. These are both things we take into account when we test reed diffusers.
You can compare all of our picks below:
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Scent type | Price | Strength | Best for |
Diptyque Ambre | Floral and romantic | $110 | 5/5 | All-rounder |
Neom Squeeze the Day | Vibrant and citrussy | $64 | 5/5 | Energizing |
P.F. Candle Co. Golden Coast | Salt, sun and sage | $32.99 | 3/5 | Affordable |
Airy Forest Breath 森 Home Reed Diffuser | Fresh and serene | $55 | 4/5 | Relaxation |
ScentAir Golden Bamboo Infused Reed Starter Set | Lively and citrusy | $36 | Customizable | Homes with pets or children |
Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Diffuser | Strong and fruity | $112 | 5/5 | Long-lasting scent |
Voluspa California Summers | Sweet and salty | $34 | 3/5 | Bathrooms |
Trudon The Diffuser Ernesto | Smokey and leathery | $250 | 5/5 | Luxury |
Ripple Château Gardenia | Floral and refreshing | $40 | 3/5 | Small spaces |
The Best All-Rounder Reed Diffuser
The fluted glass design of the Diptique reed diffuser looks beautiful on the bookshelf in my bedroom, and smells just as good. Click the image to shop.
Scent: Roses, dew, and greenery.
Is there truly anything more synonymous with making your home smell nice than Diptyque? To me, there certainly isn't, and this strong yet soft Diptyque Roses reed diffuser is my top pick for good reason – plus it's perfect for spring and summer.
First of all, it looks absolutely beautiful, with a fluted glass design that can be reused again and again, and makes a stunning statement in my room, or among any spring tablescaping ideas.
In my opinion, that's enough alone to justify the $110 Home Fragrance Diffuser Glass vessel available at Diptyque and the $110 Roses Refill also available, separately, at Diptyque.
I know – rose scents can often be branded a little 'grandma,' which is something even I've believed in the past. But, just one single sniff of this reed diffuser was enough to convince me I need the Diptyque Eau Rose Eau de toilette (sorry, bank account). It's floral yet fresh, and never overly heady like those traditional rose scents often are.
It also filled my bedroom quickly and is lasting well, and when I tested it on the hallway shelf outside my basement bedroom, I could genuinely smell it the second I walked in my front door, one flight of stairs up. I think it would be great for a living room space, too.
There's still nothing better than stepping into my room and breathing it in, so I do think, despite the higher price point, that I would call it good value for money. Plus, I always appreciate a refillable and reusable design. The only thing to note is that, unlike the Diptyque Amber diffuser refill, this fragrance comes in a glass bottle, rather than the opaque silver bottle, so you'll need to take precautions to keep it out of the sun to prevent deterioration. You could always keep it in the box it comes in – it's definitely beautiful enough to do so.
There are also a whole host of other fragrances available at Diptyque, with a recent expansion in their reed diffuser line, if you're looking to make your home smell nice without candles specifically. For example, the Figuier (Fig Tree) Refill available at Diptyque is also lovely if you're after something a little fruitier.
Plus, you can always change your scents depending on the season, reusing your gorgeous glass vessel, and even halt diffusion with the Vessel Stopper, also available at Diptyque. Now that's what makes a luxury product worth the splurge.
Strength: 5/5
The Best Reed Diffuser for Energizing
The NEOM Squeeze The Day Reed Diffuser is the perfect addition to my bathroom ideas. Click the image to shop.
Scent: Grapefruit, mandarin, and eucalyptus.
This reed diffuser is the new kid on the block in my home, and it's no surprise that this vibrant, citrussy scent quickly made its way into my top favorites. And, while it's nice to use all year-round, there's something so perfect (if not a little predictable) about using this diffuser in the warmer months.
It really does smell just like freshly sliced, perfectly ripe citrus fruits, and truly does instantly brighten any space, just like a spring simmer pot. I was also seriously impressed by the scent throw of this one – I tested it in both my living room and en suite bathroom and loved it in both. In my bathroom, even with the door closed, I could smell it every time I walked into my bedroom, but definitely not in an overpowering or sickly way. I'd put this down to the fact that it's expertly blended with pure essential oils.
I don't really use reed diffusers (or candles or my best essential oil diffusers, for that matter) in my kitchen ideas, but I'd wager that this one would be a good option if you do.
It's just a small thing, but I really like the design of the glass vessel of this one too, and think it looks chic, modern, and tasteful in my space. NEOM is one of my favorite newfound brands, and I truly can't wait to test more from this British-based brand.
If you love citrus scents, there are plenty of other options on the NEOM site, like the Happiness Reed Diffuser, available at NEOM, with notes of neroli, mimosa, and lemon, or the Feel Refreshed Reed Diffuser, also available at NEOM, with notes of Sicilian lemon and fresh basil. And, if citrus scents aren't your thing, I'd go for the NEOM Real Luxury Reed Diffuser, which is fragranced with lavender, jasmine, and sandalwood essential oils.
Strength: 5/5
The Best Affordable Reed Diffuser
The P.F. Candle Co. diffuser in Golden Coast, available at Amazon, is small, subtle, and stunning. Click the image to shop.
Scent: Eucalyptus, sea salt, redwood, and palo santo.
It has to be said that the P.F. Candle Co. Golden Coast Reed Diffuser, available at Amazon, definitely isn't the strongest I've ever tested. But, at such an affordable price point compared to the majority of reed diffusers, I'm definitely not complaining.
With such a small size, too, it's ideal for popping on a shelf in a small bathroom, which is one of the things people with nice-smelling powder rooms always do, but I found the scent got a little lost in larger spaces, like my living room. That being said, it's subtle and elevated, and designed to enhance, never overpower, with rattan reeds for even diffusion.
This makes sense against the description of this diffuser on the P.F. Candle Co. brand website, which reads, 'Our collection is thoughtfully-crafted to enhance your atmosphere, not overpower it.
'We intentionally develop welcoming, non-irritating home fragrances that even the most sensitive noses can enjoy, with options to suit any room or mood.'
I really love the ethos of the P.F. Candle Co. as a brand, too – it's independently owned, and each product is vegan, cruelty-free, phthalate-free, and handmade in LA. That's also why the more subtle scent of this diffuser makes sense: There are absolutely no harsh chemicals.
If you prefer something a little more herbaceous, I'd go for the P.F. Candle Co. Wild Herb Tonic Reed Diffuser, available at Amazon, or the P.F. Candle Co. Amber & Moss Reed Diffuser, also available at Amazon.
Strength: 3/5
The Best Reed Diffuser for Relaxation
Fill your home with the relaxing scent of Japanese Hinoki wood – I love mine so much it's almost all used up! Click the image to shop.
Scent: Sandalwood, hinoki, rose and clary sage.
If you want something a little different for spring and summer, this Forest Breath 森 Home Reed Diffuser available at Airy Fragrances really surprised me in the best way, and I've since become a loyal fan of both the Japanese brand behind it and the musky, woody, yet floral scent.
The most notable thing about this one was how quickly it filled my large living room, and how far away it could be smelled. Genuinely, I opened it up, and within half an hour I could smell it from outside the door.
Usually, this could be something that might even put me off, but at only $55, here it purely serves to highlight what a good purchase this one is. Plus, the scent somehow travels without being heady, instead remaining crisp, calming, and fresh, which is why it's ideal for using in a relaxing space like your living room or bedroom, or to make your bathroom smell like a luxury spa.
If you've ever had the pleasure of smelling Aesop's Hwyl Eau de Parfum, which I also love, it's comparable. Both scents capture the enduring beauty of a Japanese Hinoki forest, and offer a twist on traditional, woody, wintery scents.
Like the Diptyque Roses fragrance, it's also reusable and refillable, which I've come to believe should be a characteristic of all the best reed diffusers, particularly as we all strive to be more sustainable at home.
There are plenty of other Japanese landscape-inspired options available on Airy Fragrances, too, such as Mystic Essence 空, which captures Japan's Sakura season in full bloom, perfectly suited to spring, and Serene Solstice 寧, which centers around a zen garden at dusk.
Strength: 4/5
The Best Reed Diffuser for Homes with Pets
These infused ScentAir reeds pack a long-lasting gentle and lingering fragrance for weeks. Click the image to shop.
Scent: Mandarin, lime, apple and rose.
There are undoubtedly countless joys that come with living with pets, but they can make home scenting a little more difficult. Enter: The Golden Bamboo Infused Reed Starter Set available at Amazon, which definitely takes the crown as the most inventive and ingenious of the bunch.
Wave goodbye to teetering vessels filled with scented, oily fragrance with this pick, which instead uses fragrance-infused, liquidless reeds, housed in a stunning ceramic decorative vase.
I'm not the only one at Homes & Gardens who loves this one – Punteha van Terheyden, Head of Solved, and cat mom-of-two, has also added this tried and tested favorite to her repertoire, after swapping to the non-toxic dry fragrance reeds, and commented on how they 'smell like a luxury hotel' with a 'constant' smell. I agree.
Admittedly, I was a little doubtful – how could a reed diffuser work without anything to diffuse? But, after using one on my desk, and really appreciating the benefit of not having to worry about knocking it over and making a mess, I've been loving this small yet mighty option.
It's also affordable, coming in at only $36, holder included. There is a host of fragrances to shop for on ScentAir.
The Golden Bamboo scent that I went for features notes of satsuma and Tahitian lime, blended with apple, bamboo, rose, cedarwood, and white amber, which are perfect notes for spring and summer. The best way I would describe it is just clean. It actually wound up being so popular in my home that my sister now has one in her bedroom, too.
Like Punteha, I love the way the dry fragrance reeds make this particular option so portable, and the way the scent is completely customizable.
For example, I started with three reeds, but after wanting a stronger, non-toxic way to make my home smell nice, I added a couple more. I now keep the ones I'm not using safely in their cardboard packaging box, and swap them out when necessary – roughly every three months.
This one's perfect for anyone, or anywhere, that you don't want to risk spilling a reed diffuser, like a desk, bedside table, or kitchen table, but it will look equally as good on a shelf, too.
Both Punteha and I also tried the Black Orchid Infused Reed Starter Set available at ScentAir, but agreed that it was better suited to larger spaces, like open-plan living-come-dining areas, as the scent is strong. Equally, it would work in your entryway where the door is going to be opened a lot, and the air is going to be changed.
Strength: Customizable. Add more or fewer sticks for scent control.
The Best Reed Diffuser for Long-Lasting Scent
Fruity and rich, I've never received so many 'your home smells amazing' compliments since using this Jo Malone reed diffuser. Click the image to shop.
Scent: Pomegranate, lily, and guaiacwood.
Speaking of entryways, it would be impossible for me to put together a guide on the best reed diffusers I've tried without including the ever-so-popular Pomegranate Noir Diffuser available at Jo Malone, loved by my colleagues and celebrities alike.
For example, Sophie Edwards, Homes & Gardens' celebrity news editor, attended a scent masterclass at Jo Malone, where the brand's scenting expert recommended this diffuser as an excellent entryway fragrance secret.
She says, 'The scent is fruity and inviting, with rich, masculine undertones. When I first put it out, I found the scent so strong it was almost overpowering, but after a day, it mellowed out into an inviting greeting when I entered the flat. As suggested by Jo Malone's scent expert, layer it with candles as you move into the home.'
I couldn't agree more – when I first opened this diffuser, I could smell it on every floor of my three-floor home, even after placing it in my powder room, right next to the entryway.
But, like Sophie, very quickly it settled down, and, even with four dogs, I've never received so many 'your home smells amazing' compliments since putting it on that bathroom shelf.
Keep this one to open spaces: Entryways, large dining rooms, or hallways, to make your home smell good all the time with a moody, rich scent that screams sophisticated. You're definitely getting bang for your buck with this higher-end option, and it's refillable too, with the Pomegranate Noir Diffuser Refill available for $90 at Jo Malone.
The Wild Bluebell Scent Surround Diffuser, also available at Jo Malone, is another Homes & Gardens-approved favorite, if you prefer something a little softer.
'One of Meghan Markle's favorite scents, Jo Malone's Wild Bluebell is my favorite diffuser,' says Laura Honey, former master perfumer and eCommerce editor. 'It's delicate and light, but it's still distinctive in a room. With notes of lily of the valley, clove, and musk, unlike many other bluebell fragrances, this has earthy notes that stop it from becoming cloying and sickly. Close your eyes, and you'll feel like you're in a dewy bluebell wood, rather than a bedroom.'
And who wouldn't want that?
Strength: 5/5
The Best Reed Diffuser for Bathrooms
Evoke an easy breezy coolness, whether you love a Californian summer or live somewhere further afield, with the Voluspa California Summers reed diffuser. Click the image to shop.
Scent: Sea salt, vanilla, and teakwood.
Vanilla scents are literally a spring and summer staple – whether the right space calls for something a little sweeter, or you're someone who prefers sweeter scents in general for your home's signature scent.
For this, I've been trying and loving the California Summers Reed Diffuser available at Voluspa, which has all the right rich sweetness, but with a pleasant twist of fresh coconut and sunkissed sandy beaches, reminiscent of the best kind of summer holiday. One site reviewer, who gave it a strong five stars, dubbed it 'vanilla heaven,' and they're not wrong.
I was using it at home in the guest bedroom, and can safely say it's one of the most welcoming fragrances for a guest bedroom, but it's now perfectly at home in my bathroom, drawing on the notes of sea salt and teakwood that offset the vanilla-ry undertones. In general, it's a super versatile scent.
With a vessel that's only six fluid ounces, you might think that the scent won't be strong or long-lasting, but the exact opposite is true. I'm always struck by the strength of it whenever I enter the room or even pass the door, but it certainly isn't sickly. I love the detail of the chic cut glass design, too.
It's also free of sulfates, phthalates, pesticides, and parabens, ideal for anyone who is sensitive to home fragrancing, or for spaces shared by furry friends.
I've been lucky enough to try the Baltic Amber Reed Diffuser available at Voluspa, which is more wintery, and the Mediterranean Lemon Reed Diffuser, also available at Voluspa, which embodies summer. They're both great, too.
Strength: 3/5
The Best Luxury Reed Diffuser
Go bold with this Trudon Ernesto diffuser, which takes luxury to new levels and features a refillable design. Click the image to shop.
Scent: Tobacco, leather, and moss.
Jo Bailey, Editor of the Homes & Gardens print magazine, loves The Diffuser Ernesto available at Trudon, and I can see why. It's actually inspired by the Cuban revolution and more specifically – cigars, and, as the website states, 'the barrels of guns,' with notes of leather. Sound unappealing? Jo assures that it's not.
'I have this diffuser in my hallway, so I get a hit when I come in,' she says. 'It stops me from getting nose blind, and usually lasts around four months.
'It's expensive, so a rare treat, but it's the best smell in the world, if you're into that sort of scent.'
As well as the more unusual cigar notes, this diffuser also boasts more typical undertones of vanilla, amber, oakwood, clove, and patchouli, so it definitely reminds me of my signature Le Labo SANTAL 33 perfume, which I wear all year-round.
And, if the price is a point of contention for you, you can pick up a refill for $115 at Trudon, saving you a startling $135 the second time around, if you grow to love it as much as Jo does.
Strength: 5/5
The Best Reed Diffuser for Small Spaces
Enjoy the beauty of a summer garden in full-bloom year round with this Château Gardenia diffuser from ripple+. Click the image to shop.
Scent: Green, floral and vibrant.
This recommendation is coming to you from Julia Demer, our Style Editor here at Homes & Gardens, who has written her own dedicated ripple+ home reed diffuser review, if you're interested in finding out more. Like the Voluspa California Summers scent, it's one you would typically associate with summer weather, and is the perfect little lift for your space in the warmer seasons.
Julia says, 'ripple⁺ home’s Château Gardenia diffuser lives up to its name – breezy, sophisticated, and softly floral, like a Côte d’Azur daydream. The blend of gardenia, eucalyptus, and pink pepper is perfect for daytime: Not overpowering, but enough to gently drift across the room.
'Every detail is considered, from the all-natural fragrance to the biodegradable packaging, and the sculptural vessel itself feels like something Elsa Peretti might have dreamed up for Tiffany.'
And, while ripple+ claim that their diffusers last only three months, Julia assures that hers is still going strong well past the one-month mark. 'In short, it's a scent and an object all in one,' she adds.
For a real boost of summer feels, why not combine it with a Loewe tomato or honeysuckle candle, or make use of the best fragrant flowers for an injection of life in full bloom.
Strength: 3/5
Real-World Tips: Placement, Maintenance & Common Pitfalls
While testing diffusers for this guide, I've become an expert on getting the most out of your diffuser. These are my top tips:
- The best place to put 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, out of direct sunlight, 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. Instead, place it on a shelf or countertop, away from where it may risk being knocked over.
- Flip the reeds once the scent fades noticeably. Once a week or fortnight, depending on the strength of the scent, is usually more than enough.
- Refill the liquid in the vessel once it's fully evaporated and once you can no longer smell the scent. It may linger in the reeds for a little while longer, which is why I've found it's always worth waiting to refill, particularly with higher-end, more expensive picks that I'm keen to eke out for as long as possible.
How We Test Reed Diffusers
Wondering how we test reed diffusers here at Homes & Gardens? As mentioned, after spending my time writing about home fragrances, interviewing fragrance experts, and attending fragrance launches, my colleagues and I have tested each and every best reed diffuser included here in our own homes for over a month, so we're able to provide firsthand experience, with expertise on what really makes a great reed diffuser. Our testing process is lengthy and thorough, so we're certain that we're only bringing you the best of the best recommendations.
For that reason, when testing reed diffusers, we consider factors such as the product quality and appearance, the longevity of the scents, room coverage, and whether 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. I often moved mine around before finding where I felt it worked best, which has been included in this guide.
We also 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 a gentle fragrance that doesn't strongly last more than a few days.
4/5 indicates a great fragrance that's 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 aromas with little to no strength that fade quickly and are not noticeable in the room, and 2/5 would be a subtle scent that lasts for a short while after opening, before becoming barely noticeable throughout a room.
Of course, we acknowledge that scent is 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 recommend them based on our experience with the quality of their products, not the scent profile alone.
How to Find Great Deals on the Best Reed Diffusers
Most of the time, the lowest prices on the best reed diffusers come during Black Friday, the last Friday in November, and Cyber Monday, which is the first Monday of December. If it's not immediately obvious when you first click onto a retailer, you might spot a code you can use for a discount in your inbox, or in the top banner, or as a pop-up on the site. These sales tend to last throughout the entire two-week period.
Remember that preparation is the easiest way to get ahead before items sell out. Make a list of the items you love – you can make a wish list on Amazon or keep them in your digital basket, ready to shop at the click of a button when the prices are slashed.
Sales tend to pop up throughout the year, too, varying by retailer. For example, you might be able to snap up a great deal in the January sales, Presidents' Day sales, or during holiday periods like Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
FAQs
How Many Reeds Should I Use Initially?
This is purely subjective – the more reeds you use, the stronger the scent will be, and the opposite is true if you use fewer. I usually just use the amount of reeds provided with the diffuser, but have been known to use less if it's a particularly strong scent, like the Trudon pick, or if I want it to last longer.
Another tip I suggest, if your diffuser comes with a vessel and refill, is that you don't have to pour in all the liquid at once. This is what I do with my Diptyque Roses diffuser, topping it up as and when it runs out, to make it go a little further.
You can also adjust depending on the size of the space you're scenting: Use one to three reeds for small spaces like powder rooms, and five or more for living rooms, hallways, and larger bedrooms.
Are Reed Diffusers Safe Around Pets?
Yes, unlike the best essential oil diffusers, in general, reed diffusers are perfectly safe to use around pets. That being said, they should always be used in well-ventilated areas, and well out of reach to avoid any spillages occurring.
You should also always keep an eye out for signs of discomfort or respiratory distress, and discontinue use if you notice any.
Can I Refill the Diffuser or Replace Just the Reeds?
While you can refill diffusers with new fragrance oils whenever you choose (just make sure you clean them thoroughly first), we always recommend replacing the reeds when doing so.
This will allow for both the most effective scent distribution and for the reeds to become wholly saturated with the new scent. In general, reeds should ideally be replaced every four to six months.
How Can You Boost Fragrance Throw Naturally?
The best way to boost fragrance throw naturally is by placing your diffuser in a prime position with gentle air-flow, using more reeds, and flipping them more regularly. If you have a refill for your specific diffuser oil, you can also boost the scent by keeping the vessel topped up.
Meet the Testers

Head of Solved, Punteha, has been a consumer and lifestyle journalist and editor for 18 years, and previously, spent four years in the perfume industry, where she helped clients find their perfect fragrance. In her own home, she uses her industry training for long-lasting, layered, and luxury home fragrancing, and loves burning candles in larger rooms and using reed diffusers in smaller spaces.

Sophie is a News Editor on the Celebrity News team at Homes & Gardens. In her time here, she has interviewed the likes of Martha Stewart, Hilary Duff, and the casts of Queer Eye and Selling Sunset, drawing upon her dual expertise in American and British design contexts.

Jo has been the print editor of Homes & Gardens since 2023, and previously worked as the News & Shopping Editor across both Homes & Gardens and Livingetc.

Originally from Los Angeles, Julia is our New York–based Style Editor at Homes & Gardens, moving over from Livingetc towards the end of last year. Previously, she worked reporting runway trends at L’Officiel USA and in handbag and footwear design at The Row.
Do you know about the benefits of fragrance layering? According to fragrancing experts, it's the key to making your home smell more luxurious for longer, so it's well worth trying out in your own space.
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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.