I'm a home fragrance enthusiast who's tried and tested countless reed diffusers – these are my absolute favorites

In my opinion, there's truly nothing better than investing in the very best reed diffusers for your home, particularly with fall and winter on the horizon, and more and more time spent getting cozy at home

Of all the home fragrances, of which there are many, these are my top nine reed diffuser picks. Not only can they truly transform the ambience of your home, but they offer a flameless, low-maintenance way – unlike the best essential oil diffusers and the best candles – to scent your space – ideal for households with kids, pets, allergy concerns, or those who just want to add touch of luxury to their everyday.

These reed diffusers are not only stylish, but they're well worth the spend, and with prices ranging from $30 to $220, there really is something suitable for everyone. If you're not in the market to pick one up for yourself at the moment, why not get ahead of your Christmas shopping – they all make gorgeous gifts for friends, family, and hosts alike, or add some to your own list and drop some subtle hints.

The Homes & Gardens guide to the best reed diffusers

My one-minute verdict

After testing these nine reed diffusers in my home across six months, my top pick has to go to Ambre diffuser, available at Diptyque for quality, longevity, and luxurious scenting.

If you want something similar but a little more moody, smokey and leathery, try the Adlan fragrances Crowd Pleaser diffuser, or the Trudon Ernesto diffuser, and for something fresher, the Airy Fragrances Forest Breath diffuser, ScentAir Golden Bamboo, Ripple Château Gardenia, or Ortigia's fruity and uplifting Zagara fragrance.

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.

Read on for a full verdict of each.

The best reed diffusers

Best all-rounder: Diptyque Ambre

Scent: Wood, vetiver, patchouli, tonka and spice.

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 reed diffuser is my top pick for good reason – plus it's perfect for fall.

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.

In my opinion, that's enough alone to justify the $110 Home Fragrance Diffuser Glass vessel available at Diptyque and the $110 Ambre Refill also available, separately, at Diptyque.

I love a warm and woody scent, so it's no surprise that this resinous fragrance is right up my street. It also filled my bedroom quickly and is lasting well, still going strong after more than four months. 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. I also like that the fragrance refill comes in an opaque silver bottle, to prevent sunlight from causing it to deteriorate.

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 more fresh and fruity without any sweetness, and you can't go wrong with the Roses Refill available at Diptyque year round, either.

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

Best luxury pick: Adlan Fragrances Crowd Pleaser

Scent: Sandalwood, worn leather, amber and green cardamom.

The Crowd Pleaser Diffuser available at Adlan Fragrances is one of the last diffuser I tested, but it's certainly not the least. It oozes cool.

Where to begin? The signature graphite vessel, seen in the picture above, which looks striking in it's own right, or the sandalwood, leather, and vetiver, earthy scent, which couldn't really be more me if it tried?

Yes, this diffuser is an eye-watering $220, but with that price comes a unique delicacy that has settled the age-old reed diffusers vs scented candles debate in my home for good. I'm now diffusers all the way – even in fall and winter.

Like all the others I've tried and included here, this diffuser filled my medium-sized guest bedroom space quickly, but not necessarily strongly. It's difficult to explain, but it almost smells like it has boldly always been there, and that that's just the way the room has always smelled. I love it.

While I've been using this in a bedroom space, I also think it would suit a living room or entryway, but, in my opinion, you should keep it away from your kitchens and bathrooms, as it might be a little overpowering, particularly when used around food.

So, if you're after a real show-stopping treat, and love a worn leather scent like me (Le Labo's outrageously popular Santal 26 is my signature) then this one's for you. If not, they have a few others to try, in equally as alluring names: Playing With Fire, which is ideal for deep winter, The Bitter End, and Into The Briar Patch, all of which are available to explore at Adlan Fragrances.

Strength: 5/5

Best for relaxation: Airy Fragrances Forest Breath

Scent: Sandalwood, hinoki, rose and clary sage.

If you want a cozy scent but you're into something a little fresher, 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 and still scent the space. 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 Ambre fragrance, it's also unisex, 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

Best for homes with pets: ScentAir Golden Bamboo

Scent: Mandarin, lime, apple and rose.

There are undoubtedly countless joys which 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 liquidless, fragrance infused 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, also has added this tried and tested favorite to her repertoire, after swapping to the non-toxic dry fragrance reeds earlier this year, commenting 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 the second-most affordable of the bunch, coming in at only $36, holder included. There are a host of fragrances to shop 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 you might not typically associate with the cooler seasons of fall and winter, but 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 punchier 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 changed.

Strength: Customizable. Add more or fewer sticks for scent control.

Best for long-lasting scent: Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir

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, H&G's 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 popping 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 which screams sophisticated. You're definitely getting bang for your buck with this higher-end option, as I've been testing mine since December and can still smell it as soon as I walk into my house. 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 lilly 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

Best for bathrooms: Voluspa California Summers

Scent: Sea salt, vanilla and teakwood.

Ok, this scent certainly isn't a fall or winter staple, but sometimes, the right space calls for something a little sweeter and summery. Or, you might just be 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 rich sweetness, but with a pleasant twist of fresh coconut and sunkissed sandy beaches, reminiscent of the best kind of summer holiday that I'll be dreaming of throughout the approaching gloomier months. 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 now safely say it's one of the most welcoming fragrances for a guest bedroom, particularly during the warmer months. Now fall is almost upon us, I've since switched that one out, and this one from Voluspa is 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 if you want to go the whole hog, and the Mediterranean Lemon Reed Diffuser, also available at Voluspa, which embodies summer. They're both great, too.

Strength: 3/5

Best for hallways: Trudon Ernesto

Scent: Tobacco, leather, and moss.

Jo Bailey, editor of Homes & Gardens (print), loves the The Diffuser Ernesto available at Trudon, and I can see why. It features similar notes to my Adlan pick of leather blended with tobacco, and comes at a similar price point, but is actually inspired by the Cuban revolution and more specifically – cigars, and, as the website sites, 'the barrels of guns.' 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 you couldn't really get much more seasonal.

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

Best for small spaces: Ripple Château Gardenia

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 not one you would typically associate with colder weather, but if, like me, you sometimes need a reminder of summer for a little lift, it's the perfect option for you.

She 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-in-winter 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 that's sure to stave off any winter blues.

Strength: 3/5

Best for subtle scenting: Ortigia Zagara

Scent: Neroli, petitgrain and wood.

Ortigia makes some of the most beautiful home fragrance options on the market, and the Zagara scent is my favorite of their collection.

I'm all for orange blossom scents, and the Orange Blossom Diffuser available at Jo Malone is another firm favorite, but there's something about this one in particular that just has something – I think it's the woody tones, which also means this pick is perfect for the transitional in-between stage of the year that we're in at the moment, where it's not quite summer anymore, but not quite fall yet.

I've used this one in my bathroom many times over the years, and the sight and smell of it is enough to make any early morning shower before work that little bit more enjoyable. Oritigia really goes full out on the packaging, which I think is genuinely not reflected in the price – I'd even be inclined to pay more. That's why I definitely think it deserves a spot among the best home gifts this holiday season.

They also make beautiful matching bathroom products, like the Zagara shower gel and even a Zagara shampoo, if you're keen to streamline your scenting routine across the board.

Strength: 3/5

Real-World Tips: Placement, Maintenance & Common Pitfalls

While testing diffusers for this guide, I've become a bit of 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.
• 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, myself and my colleagues 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 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. I often moved mine around before finding where I felt it worked best, which has been included in this guide, too.

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 gentle fragrance that doesn't strongly 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.

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.

FAQs

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.

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 less. 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 or Adlan picks, or if I want it to last longer.

You can also adjust depending on the size of the space you're scenting: use one to three 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 it 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.

Do you know about the benefits of fragrance layering, and how to do it? According to the experts, it's the key to making your home smell more luxurious and your home fragrances more long-lasting, so it's well worth trying out in your own space.